Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role he exercises in ensuring cross-departmental co-operation on issues relating to tourism policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4987/08]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department and the tourism agencies operating under its aegis co-operate closely with other Departments and agencies on an ongoing basis through a wide range of channels and mechanisms, both formal and informal.

The report of the tourism policy review group, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, which set out the strategic framework for Irish tourism, highlighted the importance of Government commitment to creating and maintaining a positive environment for tourism investment and development. In particular, tourism policy was defined as encompassing not only the traditional role and functions of the Department and the State tourism agencies, but, in addition, all areas of Government policy and actions that impact in a significant manner on the development of tourism.

The strength of the Government's commitment to tourism is clear from the provisions of the programme for Government and the national development plan. Along with my Government colleagues, I am determined to develop the Irish tourism industry and provide it with sustained support and investment in the coming years. As I have previously outlined, my priorities include ensuring the tourism agenda is accommodated in the relevant policies and programmes which impact on tourism. This is being put into practice on an ongoing basis by my Department through intensive bilateral engagement with the relevant Departments and agencies on their policies and programmes, supported and complemented by the engagement of the tourism agencies where appropriate. This approach, which is consistent with the Government's and my personal commitment to agile and lean government rather than bureaucratic and unwieldy structures, has worked and is working. Other approaches, such as a formal tourism council or standing committees, have been tried before and, from time to time, found to be less effective in delivering results.

My Department and the tourism agencies engage actively in formal fora, such as interdepartmental committees and high level groups, where appropriate, which consider matters of major significance to tourism development. These fora include the interdepartmental working group on the sustainable travel and transport plan and the National Competitiveness Council. The strategic policy framework for tourism development incorporates not only specific policy measures, but also the broader policy agenda, which impacts on sustainable tourism development, such as competitiveness and the environment.

The Department's role has been supported by the tourism strategy implementation group, which was appointed in 2006 to, among other things, oversee the implementation of the outstanding recommendations in the New Horizons report. The group has, where appropriate, engaged directly with key Departments and agencies, such as the Department of Transport and the Central Statistics Office, in respect of specific areas with an impact on tourism strategy, such as transport and tourism statistics. I am satisfied that the arrangements outlined ensure effective and appropriate cross-departmental co-operation.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister. Utter frustration prompted my question because I have no doubt, nor do I have reason to doubt, that what the Minister stated is true. As far as the Dáil is concerned, however, the reality is that no matter what question is raised in respect of tourism, the reply is that the Minister has no responsibility to the Dáil for the matter or it does not fall under his remit. I am sure the Minister accepts that tourism is not a one-sector issue and that it cuts across many areas. Questions on matters involved in tourism directly must be answered on the floor of the Dáil. For example, why was the pre-clearance facility at Shannon Airport refused? Surely, there is no more important question or area of potential for tourism than the achievement of the facility. I am not asking the Minister to be accountable to the Dáil for what other Ministers may be directly accountable, but I expect him to report to the Dáil.

Will the Minister consider answering questions like those on, for example, the future autonomy of the airports, the percentage for arts schemes and everything that crosses from his Department into others and that is crucial to the delivery of his Department's remit?

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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If the Deputy goes back through the record of my time in the House, she will find that I am a Minister who seldom hides behind or points to an agency. I will indicate whether something is the primary responsibility of an agency, but I will give the Government's and my thinking on the question.

Tourism cuts across a range of sectors. Arts tourism is an important and growing area and sports tourism is exciting thanks to the attraction of events, particularly on an all-island basis. We held a number of all-island discussions on this issue with the Northern Ireland Executive, the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister as recently as last week. Event-led tourism is a significant sector in which we can invest.

I would be happy to discuss Shannon Airport from these benches at any time. As the Deputy knows, we have invested heavily in it through the years and it tends to have good and bad news from time to time. If there is a specific question, I will answer it, if I am allowed.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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These questions may never reach the Minister's desk, but it is true that questions on agencies in particular are rejected. In his Ministry, all he does personally — I am not being insulting — is give out lottery money. There is an agency for nearly everything else. If tourism, sports, arts and culture are to be discussed in a real way——

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The agencies need policies to direct them, which is my job.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I accept that, but we cannot raise these matters on the floor of the House and they are being rejected. I ask the Minister to bear this fact in mind because it is a cross-cutting Ministry that is full of agencies delivering——

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I am 100% in favour of responding to policy issues, even if there is a relevant agency.