THE holding of the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Ireland in 1988 now depends on the board of WEG, the House was told.

The Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr Kenny, in an adjournment debate, said an initial grant of £250,000 had been given, through Bord Failte, to assist with start up costs for the games.

A serious shortfall in projected income from the games could mean losses of up to £6 million. There was no evidence that any Irish or international financial institution was prepared to invest in the enterprise, and the Irish taxpayer was being asked to take the risk. The concept of hosting the games in Ireland was attractive but he had to put a cap on the Exchequer's liabilities.

Mr David Andrews, Fianna Fail spokesman on tourism, who raised the matter, said a meeting was being held in Geneva today which would decide whether Ireland would retain the games. Unless Ireland could definitely say it was hosting the games, it would lose a fantastic opportunity. "Already, Germany and the UK have made pitches to take the games if Ireland cannot."

It was a fantastic marketing opportunity for Ireland. There could be a £1.5 million risk to the Exchequer in regard to staging the games but there would be thousands of visitors and millions in tourist revenue.