John O'Donoghue, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, confirmed that the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has formally written to the GAA in the hope of using Croke Park as a venue in their bid host the European Championships in 2008.
There is no question that if Croke Park was made available it would boost Ireland and Scotland's joint bid before UEFA make their final decision next month.
O'Donoghue said the Ireland Scotland bid was UEFA's best option as their opposition, Austria/Switzerland bid, would require a referendum before their proposed new stadium could be built there.