Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that this issue does not involve the Minister of State's Department. I understand the Minister, Deputy Martin Cullen, is indisposed and I wish him well. I have two points which I hope the Minister of State will convey to him and his Department. The Minister of State said Fáilte Ireland had no explicit remit to train unemployed people. However, its brochure refers to unemployed people being eligible for training programmes. Fáilte Ireland has a role to play in regard to the whole area of unemployment, retraining and upskilling. The Minister of State also referred to on-site training in the tourism business. Hotels have no jobs and are cutting back on their workforces; therefore, there are no on-site training jobs. It is important we examine the remit of Fáilte Ireland in this context.

I appreciate the Minister of State's final comment on the provision of information. I ask her to ensure Fáilte Ireland contacts me directly and to follow up with the Department in that regard.