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

This question relates to The Gathering. There has been a fantastic response thereto across the board, from local communities, voluntary bodies, public bodies, businesses and government.  That is why I was surprised at the tone of some recent adverse comments.

Tourism is a valuable service export.  Encouraging those from overseas, whether Irish or not, to sample what we have to offer is not a shakedown. It is no more so than exporting other goods and services.  With the hotel and accommodation sector already generating additional employment since this Government came into office, tourism can offer jobs to those who might otherwise face a choice between emigration and unemployment. I apologise to nobody for seeking to increase that employment still further by investing in The Gathering.  There is also a parallel aim to further strengthen our connections to all of those overseas who have a kinship with Ireland. I saw myself in Australia the extent to which our diaspora values that objective.

Tourism Ireland is implementing a major promotional drive for The Gathering across the world and has worked with business networks, cultural and sports associations encouraging them to promote The Gathering and to mobilise members to organise events in Ireland during 2013.  In autumn, Tourism Ireland commenced a major consumer campaign to promote The Gathering in key markets, and this will continue into 2013. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach and I have attended events during the year to promote the initiative overseas.

Meanwhile, The Gathering project team and Fáilte Ireland are mobilising communities throughout the country and finalising details of the exciting programme of events for 2013, which will be announced shortly. I am determined to continue to promote this unique opportunity for us to show the world all that is best about Ireland, and I know the vast majority of Irish people, at home and abroad, will do so also.

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