Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The overall envelope for tourism this year will be €122 million, including €109 million in current funding and €13 million in capital funding. This represents a 1% increase on 2016 and will assist our overseas marketing efforts in the context of the challenges posed by Brexit. The €122 million earmarked for the tourism programme in 2017 will allow Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to continue to develop Ireland's tourism industry, drive the further development and promotion of the signature experience brands and enhance the associated enterprise supports. It will also ensure Ireland is presented effectively overseas and domestically in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Tourism is one of our largest indigenous industries, is deeply rooted in the fabric of Irish society and employs an estimated 220,000 people. According to the CSO, there was an increase of 10.9% in overseas travel to Ireland between 2015 and 2016. There was a record-breaking total of 9.584 million visits to Ireland in 2016. I am hopeful and confident of another good year for tourism in 2017.