Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans he has to improve regional balance of inbound tourists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4017/08]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003, the individual actions and measures relating to tourism promotion and development at regional level are day-to-day functions of State agencies. The Government is taking a number of steps to support the agencies in pursuing the objective of ensuring as wide as possible a spread of tourism business throughout the country.

During 2008 the Government is providing a 7% increase in the tourism budget, compared to 2007, bringing the allocation to approximately €170 million, the largest ever Exchequer budget for Irish tourism.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013, Transforming Ireland, includes the largest Government investment programme for the development of Irish tourism. This programme, which provides for an €800 million Exchequer investment in tourism over the life of the plan, has as one of its fundamental objectives the stimulation of regional development.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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While tourism numbers have increased year on year, the fact is that a fall-off has occurred in regional tourism and its capacity because of the reduction in footfall.

With regard to the promotion of the self-catering tourism sector, an investment of €14.15 million has been made through EU and State funding and through investment by the owner-occupiers of self-catering accommodation. However, Fáilte Ireland decided not to promote this end of the sector in 2008. This will have a detrimental impact on the development of tourism in regional areas.

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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It is not that Fáilte Ireland decided not to promote it. It will continue to be promoted. However, Fáilte Ireland will not administer it and will let the self-catering industry develop its own strategies.

With regard to regional tourism, in 2006 70% of total tourism revenue was spent in regions outside of Dublin, which is a significant figure.