Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

On the issue of self-catering, I am aware that Fáilte Ireland took the decision to which the Deputy referred but then discussions took place between the self-catering organisations and Fáilte Ireland. I am not sure if the decision has been implemented as yet but I will check and revert to the Deputy. I am aware that the parties entered into a round of discussions as to how they might compromise but I do not know the final outcome of those discussions.

With regard to the other areas mentioned by the Deputy, there are special budgets in Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for developing specialised areas like agri-tourism, environmental tourism, sports tourism, arts tourism and so forth. Agri-tourism is among a range of specialised areas that must be promoted. I will ensure that Fáilte Ireland and other agencies continue to invest strongly in products such as agri-tourism.

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