Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to report continued good progress in the preparations for The Gathering Ireland 2013 which will be Ireland's biggest ever tourism initiative. Fáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of the initiative and has put in place a project executive team to implement it. Tourism Ireland has specific responsibility for promoting The Gathering Ireland 2013 in overseas markets and has also provided staff for the project team.

The St. Patrick's Day festivities were used for the overseas launch while a major domestic launch took place on Friday, 11 May 2012 in Dublin Castle. Since then the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, and I have attended a number of events overseas to mobilise support for the initiative. The Gathering Ireland 2013 was the title sponsor of the Notre Dame versus Navy American football game in September which received widespread coverage in the United States. President Higgins also promoted The Gathering Ireland 2013 during his recent visit to South America and further publicity events in our main overseas tourism markets are planned for the remainder of the year.

In terms of domestic activity, local Gathering co-ordinators have been appointed in each county and steering committees have been formed. Over 7,000 people have attended 52 community meetings throughout Ireland since June. Individuals and community groups can see what is already planned in their area by logging on to The Gathering Ireland 2013 website where planned events are shown by county. The website also provides online supports and ideas for those interested in setting up their own event. I am informed that there are now more than 600 individual events pledged on The Gathering Ireland 2013 website and this is increasing daily. Among the most common are clan gatherings, twin-town trips, school and work reunions, genealogical projects and family reunions.

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