Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue has been raised with our British counterpart. We are taking a whole-of-Government approach to Brexit. I do not have to send a telegram or a letter to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, or the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe - a former Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport - to make them aware of the significance of the common travel area. It was outlined by the Taoiseach during the opening stages of Brexit negotiations. Tourism was identified as a key issue in that regard. That is why a sectoral civic dialogue on tourism was held. If the Deputy is asking if I sent a letter to the Minister for Finance in respect of this issue, the answer is "No". However, he does not need to receive a letter from me in order to realise the importance of the €5 billion contribution that the tourism industry makes to the Exchequer.