Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct in saying that tourism is worth hundreds of millions - billions - of euro to the Irish economy and that is why I said that €2.6 million has been spent to produce those consumer planning insights and on an economic and industry analysis. The results of this research are used to inform a strategic approach to investment in tourism product development. As I have referenced previously, there is a new tourism policy development, which we launched in 2023. That will inform the prioritisation of spending lines.

Specific decisions related to expenditure not made by the Minister or her Department are made by Fáilte Ireland as the national tourism development authority. However, research carried out with the €2.6 million provides a strategic insight and enables much of the data to be upheld on promoting tourism. That research and insight is used to promote tourism across the board.

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