Rugby World Cup stadiums
Senators joked about influence with the IRFU while supporting Semple Stadium’s inclusion in the 2023 Rugby World Cup bid. Senator Richmond also moved on to mention Russian activity and communications policy, but the exchange remained centred on the bid and stadium choices.
I thank Senator Denis Landy who appears to believe I have some sort of sway over the IRFU. As vice-captain of Old Wesley's Thirds B-15, I am not sure how far my influence stretches.
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That is a very powerful position.
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The Senator should not downplay it.
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I agree that Semple Stadium should be considered in our Rugby World Cup bid. I attended the launch yesterday when a clear statement was made that the size was not necessarily the issue with regard to stadiums because the Rugby World Cup is slightly different from soccer and the Olympic Games in that smaller stadiums are also needed. I will convey the Senator's request to the esteemed gentlemen on Old Wesley's thirds B-15.
A number of Senators raised the issue of Russian activity in Syria and Ukraine. I am concerned that the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is indirectly supporting Russian state-sponsored propaganda. The news channel, Russia Today, is based in the Digital Hub in Dublin's Liberties, which is financed by the Government. The purported purpose of the Digital Hub is to support the growth and inclusion of indigenous enterprises. Russia Today has been sanctioned not less than 15 times by Ofcom for breaches of impartiality and pursuing a political agenda. I ask the Leader to call on the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, to come to the House and outline how Russia Today qualifies to base itself in the Digital Hub and to clarify whether it is appropriate that it is based there.