Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport his plans to reverse the decline in tourism numbers visiting the west of Ireland, which are down by 37% in the years 2007 to 2010. [1638/12]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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All regions were affected by the drop in visitor numbers between 2007 and 2010. While the global recession was a primary cause, it is undeniable the tourism sector had become less competitive and that in many parts of the country it was overly reliant on domestic business. The challenge facing the Government was to help rebuild tourism competitiveness and change the perception in terms of value for money. The jobs initiative reduced the VAT rate to 9% from 1 July last on a range of tourism services, including hotels and restaurants. The Government also halved employers' PRSI and introduced a visa waiver scheme which makes Ireland more accessible from important new and emerging markets. These measures were aimed at supporting employment within the tourism sector across the country, as well as helping businesses to lower their cost base and offer a more competitive product. This was important in order to address a perception of Ireland being an expensive place to visit, particularly for British tourists. The necessary structures and people to deliver The Gathering initiative in 2013 are being put in place. I expect this initiative to have a major impact in the west.

The growth in overseas visitor numbers of 6.8% for the first 11 months of 2011 and the increase in employment in the accommodation and food services sector of 6,000 during the previous two quarters is welcome and shows that we are hopefully turning the corner. Operational responsibility and programming for the promotion and development of tourism in individual regions, including the west, rests with the tourism agencies. The ITIC report from which the Deputy quotes addresses a number of recommendations to both the industry in the west and the agencies. Many of these recommendations are being implemented. I have asked Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to inform the Deputy of their detailed plans for 2012.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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As Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan is not present, we will move on.