Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

Tourism Ireland is responsible for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination. Decisions on participation in individual commercial events and other day-to-day decisions are operational matters for the agency itself and the Minister has no role, function or responsibility in them. As the matter raised is entirely a matter for Tourism Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the agency for direct reply. If he has not received a response from them in ten working days, he should inform my private office.

It is my view that a Minister should not have a role in such day-to-day decisions. Such decisions are best made by the staff on the ground with the relevant expertise within the body itself, having regard to the overall priorities set out in Tourism Ireland's business plan.

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