Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

There are two agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, dealing with tourism on the island of Ireland. The section of my Department dealing with tourism is located in Killarney, County Kerry. It is imperative that these bodies work in close co-operation with each other. Before Christmas I produced a policy document on tourism and I received feedback from the tourism industry which suggested a disconnection between Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. I suggested in my policy document that the two agencies should work from the same building. Tourism Ireland is a 32-county body which promotes the island of Ireland and which was established as a result of the Good Friday Agreement while Fáilte Ireland promotes indigenous tourism. I agree with Deputy McLellan on the importance of agencies working in close co-operation to promote our considerable number and quality of attractions to a broader market both at home and abroad, in particular from our main markets such as the UK, USA, Germany and other European countries.

The forthcoming visits of President Obama and the Queen of England will be very important showcase events for this country. It is hoped our cultural facilities will be highlighted and be on view around the world during these visits. It will be a great opportunity to sell our country and its cultural attractions.

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