IRELAND is to bid for the special Olympics summer games in 2003, the Tanaiste announced. The event is held every four years, attracting an estimated 7,000 athletes from more than 140 countries participating in 19 sports.

Mr Spring, who was speaking during the Budget debate said that the games would provide a significant boost to the tourism industry. It was estimated that £11 million would be generated in additional tourism expenditure by visitors from the participating countries in the year of the games.

The reputation of Ireland as a tourism destination and a venue for major sporting events would be significantly enhanced. Significant social benefits would also flow from the increased awareness of people with a learning disability and the enormous nationwide community and voluntary input which the games would require.

Preparation for the bid for the games, Mr Spring said, followed from research by an interdepartmental group, chaired by his office, as to the feasibility of Ireland hosting the event.