Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of various recent developments, he is satisfied that the level of access to the capital and to the regions is consistent with maintaining and expanding Irish tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2753/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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While access is essential to tourism, the primary responsibility for transport and access issues, whether access to and from overseas or within Ireland, and for investment in transport infrastructure generally, lies with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, and the agencies under the aegis of his Department.

The Deputy will be aware that our tourism strategy framework, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: an Agenda for Action 2003-2012, addresses this issue, among others. Since the report was published in 2003, there has been progress on a range of access measures with substantial investment in airports across the country, including Dublin Airport, and considerable improvements have been made to our national road and rail infrastructure. This was endorsed by the tourism strategy implementation group in its report to me last year. The investment in transport projects continues and the coming months and years will see many more significant transport projects completed.

One of my priorities as Minister is to ensure that the tourism agenda is accommodated in all the relevant policies and programmes that impact on tourism. This is being put into practice in the access area on an ongoing basis by my Department and the tourism agencies, by engaging with the Department of Transport and its agencies, as well as with other key players, including carriers and operators, on their plans and programmes.

As with other key drivers of tourism development, the access issue is a rapidly evolving one. In that context, I announced recently the establishment of the tourism renewal group. This high level group, comprising representatives of the tourism trade, national and international experts and senior public servants, has been tasked with reviewing and, where appropriate, renewing the current tourism strategy to ensure that it is focused for the short term and that the tourist industry is well placed to benefit from the upturn.

In terms of growth in Irish tourism, there is no doubt that one of the principal drivers of the growth in visitor numbers in recent years has been the improvement in the volume, range and competitiveness of air access. We are also well served by some of the world's most modern passenger car ferry services, which have benefited from significant investment in recent years.

Air and sea travel are not immune from the downturn in the global and domestic economies. The combination of falling consumer confidence, adverse exchange rate movements and volatile fuel costs has made it difficult for carriers to sustain route profitability. In that context, I am advised that Ireland is likely to see somewhat reduced access capacity in 2009. This is, ultimately, a commercial issue for the carriers concerned. Even with this phase of consolidation, access levels still compare favourably to those in place some years ago. I especially welcome the recent decision by Aer Lingus to restore the Shannon-Heathrow route.

The tourism agencies will continue to focus on maximising visitor numbers and associated revenue in 2009, through increasing investment in co-operative marketing campaigns and working to help fill any air access gaps. The agencies will also continue to promote sea routes, especially any new ones that may commence this year, with the aim of promoting car touring holidays.

As the Deputy is aware, the tourism state agencies have recently undertaken comprehensive briefing sessions for industry representatives throughout the country, including one in Waterford recently, which I attended.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his reply and I accept that international and internal access routes are not directly the concern of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. Nevertheless, the matter is of concern to the Department. Tourism cannot exist unless access is good. It is crucial that as the market contracts, we maintain our links with the outside world.

Recent developments include the reduction of services on several routes. Some routes are being cancelled altogether, including the important air route to the Middle East, which was initially announced to great fanfare by Aer Lingus. More recently, I heard of the effective cancellation of the plans for a new runway by Dublin Airport Authority, which was vital to the China strategy.

Some years ago in Dún Laoghaire there were five Stena Line departures every day to Holyhead. Now, there is only one, the future of which is apparently in question. The Cork to Swansea route is gone, although I heard there is a possibility that it will be restored. Decisions have been made about postponing the independence of the airports at Cork and Shannon. All these factors are inhibiting growth. Even when people arrive in the country, there are many impediments to good transport and roads. Today, I heard of plans for roads being dropped, which were important in accessing various airports, including the State airports. Is the Minister talking to other Ministers about such issues? I understand growth in Dublin Airport this year was as low as 2.5%, and it was the only airport showing any growth. The Minister, Deputy Cullen, will remember from his time as Minister for Transport that, at the time, the annual growth of at least 10% was forecast. The new terminal was built in expectation of such growth and the airport now has capacity. Is Dublin Airport Authority seeking further business?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I do not necessarily agree with the Deputy's overall introductory remarks and assessment. We must understand that we have a responsibility to the market for the messages we send concerning the direction in which tourism is going. The figures do not correspond with the Deputy's comments. The number of tourism visitors in recent years has risen to 8 million per year, which is a phenomenal performance.

There is no question that the industry is under pressure. The second half of last year was far more challenging than any quarter in the years preceding. Nevertheless, I have been heavily engaged with all tourism bodies and other stakeholders, including the Irish Hotels Federation and other representative bodies, in terms of the approach for 2009. The market responds to its needs and requirements. We have been able to cater for all this, but suddenly the Deputy is suggesting we will not be able to cater for the need, because we need X, Y and Z. Investment in access to transport, including roads and rail, has been very substantial in recent years, and has clearly enhanced and adds to the tourism product. Investment from the public and private sectors in improving quality in the coach tourism business has been very significant. I can inform the Deputy that the attitude of the tourism industry is very positive. It is very aware and realistic about the challenges. It is very positive about the robust approach that it is taking to the challenges that lie ahead this year and in coming years. I believe the tourism industry is up to the challenge.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am sure the principals involved in the industry are up to the challenge, but is the Minister? I have serious doubts and the Minister is in denial about the figures. I have before me figures issued by the Irish Aviation Authority. The numbers have been and continue to reduce, and the expectation is that they will get worse this year. It is up to the Minister to ensure that access to the routes are re-established. I admit that in the second half of the year the industry was subject to the large decline. Someone should be selling Ireland and the market is contracting. By denying this, one is not dealing with the problem. The market is contracting and if we are to retain market share, it is up to the Minister to ensure that people can travel here easily if they so wish.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I simply do not accept the Deputy's remarks. I have stated that there are major challenges in 2009 and that the last quarter of 2008 was especially challenging.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Minister said he did not accept my figures.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I do not. I am aware that the industry takes grave exception to some of the most irresponsible statements made by the Deputy in recent press releases. The Deputy sent out a message internationally that Irish tourism is in meltdown, which is utter rubbish. A previous statement from the Deputy used words such as "catastrophic" to describe the state of the industry.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister doubt this? He should discuss the matter with the people losing their jobs in hotels throughout the country. The Minister is in complete denial about what is taking place in the tourism industry in the country.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I call on the Minister to conclude.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's party leader comes to the House talking of the need to be responsible and to make responsible statements regarding Ireland. That is wrong. The Deputy is factually incorrect and is creating a nervousness in the industry which is unwarranted.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Minister's time has expired.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is sending a negative international message about tourism, which is not the case.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Minister is massaging the industry.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I suggest the Deputy temper her language. Either she supports the tourism industry, or she does not.