Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason Ireland is not a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in view of the importance of that body as an instrument for tourism research and policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11750/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The World Tourism Organisation, WTO, was established in 1975 to replace the International Union of Official Travel Organisations, whose membership comprised the national tourism organisations of more that 80 countries, including Ireland. The WTO became a specialised agency of the United Nations in 2003. Ireland has never been a member of the WTO. I note that a number of other EU countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland and Sweden are not included in the current list of members. I understand the USA is also not a member.

For most tourism administrations, the most useful aspect of WTO activity has been its role in compiling international tourism statistics. Fáilte Ireland has long co-operated with the WTO in this area and, as a result of supplying statistics to the organisation, receives full access to WTO statistical information.

The question of Irish membership of the WTO has been considered on a number of occasions since 1975. The consistent opinion has been that the potential benefits to Irish tourism are limited and would not justify the costs involved. Both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland have access to WTO reports and indicated that Irish membership would not result in any improvement in information access. Neither do they view funding for membership of the WTO as a priority. When the question of membership was considered in 2003, it was estimated that the annual cost of Irish membership would be over €140,000 and it is likely to be even higher for future years. It is not clear if additional calls for funding support will arise.

Since the WTO was established in 1975, the scale and performance of the Irish tourism industry has changed beyond measure and I doubt that membership of the WTO would have added significantly to that performance. The Deputy will be aware of the record performance in 2006 when over 7.7 million overseas visitors came to the country, generating almost €4.7 billion in associated revenue. While I was pleased to secure a record level of Exchequer funding for the tourism services budget in 2007, it is also my responsibility to ensure money is used for the most efficient and productive reasons. Accordingly, while there is a cost to WTO membership, there are limited tangible benefits. I do not propose, therefore, to change Ireland's long-standing policy of non-membership at this stage.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The sum of €140,000 would seem a small price to pay for sitting around the table with some of the leading players in world tourism, including some of our main competitors. Tourism will become an even greater driver of economic activity with the decline of other native industries such as agriculture and fisheries. As a wealthy country that is doing well, Ireland surely must play its role in international tourism innovation and research. We have much to give, but also much to learn. It is not doing our status as a driver of world tourism activity any good not being involved with this organisation, the recognised body for world tourism. There are benefits to be gained. Possibly the WTO might hold its annual conference in Ireland, in which case the Minister would recoup whatever investments were made. He would make important contacts with other countries which would be of benefit to business tourism interests which his Department are pushing at this time. The WTO is an official UN agency and can facilitate close working relationships with other countries.

Every day in Ireland we speak of product innovation but our own product has gone stale and is tired. We know what is happening in other countries. I know it may be read over the Internet, but it is only when one comes face to face with experts from other countries that one learns about what is happening in world tourism. The Minister has not read this issue correctly. The next Minister will have to look seriously at it. I ask the Minister to have the Secretary General of his Department, Mr. Haugh, to take a serious look at it, to review the benefits in view of the developments that have occurred within the organisation in recent years and the fact that it is driving the tourism sector across the world, Third World countries included. There are Third World countries which are members of the WTO. As we have an obligation towards least developed states, surely this would be a very important forum to which be a member, if only to provide assistance for them, given our successful experience in attracting tourists.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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For 30 years and more this country has not been a member of the WTO. I have to refute the Deputy's contention that our product is old and stale. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should read the recent report compiled by Fáilte Ireland. His own agency stated it.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The increase in the number of visitors last year to 7.7 million is clear evidence that a great many do not agree with the Deputy.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister refuting what Fáilte Ireland stated? It is mentioned on the first page of its report.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Fáilte Ireland has long co-operated with the WTO in the publication of tourism statistics.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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As regards our product being tired, it is mentioned on the first page of the report.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I am just clarifying the position.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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As I said, Fáilte Ireland has long co-operated with the WTO in the compilation of tourism statistics. As a result of supplying statistics to the organisation, it has full access to WTO statistical material. Tourism Ireland also enjoys full access to WTO reports and analysis for little or no charge. I see little point, therefore, in eking out €140,000 of taxpayer's money to join an organisation from which there will be no additional benefit.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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We pay out €900 million every year in overseas aid.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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It would be absolutely pointless and I do not intend to do so now. The incoming Minister might have a different view on the matter, which is fine with me. However, it is my opinion that it is not worthwhile joining the WTO. It would have been fine to join to see whether it would be possible to attract additional tourism business but the reality is that tourism is one of the most competitive businesses in the world. Far from helping one another, members of the WTO are in hard competition with one another. Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, it is a tough world and we are in competition with all WTO members.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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We must learn from each other too.