Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator has raised a very good point. I will take this debate on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin. The Senator has been in contact with the Minister, and obviously both the Minister and her officials will keep a very close eye on this debate.

The role of the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and supports the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution of tourism to Ireland. The Minister has secured funding of €36.5 million in capital funding for Fáilte Ireland in order to support tourism product development and for the continued delivery of enhanced visitor experiences in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.

Broadly speaking, Fáilte Ireland has four main funding channels for its capital investment in tourism product development to support the development and enhancement of tourism attractions. These are large grants schemes which are provided under the platforms for growth's approach to such schemes; small grants schemes are targeted schemes which are usually aligned with the tourism experience brands; strategic partnerships and other collaborations; and direct investment in experience brand infrastructure.

Fáilte Ireland takes into consideration accessibility whenever developing capital projects. Under the second platform for growth scheme, the “exemplar design” for water sports facilities, for example, was designed with regard to the CARA guidelines for inclusive recreation in the outdoors.

Recent changes in legislation amend Part M, which falls under my remit in the Department, as does housing for people with disabilities. It is an area in which I am very interested. This issue expands into tourism and now includes the provision of changing places or toilets in certain buildings. In March of this year, Fáilte Ireland approved an organisation policy position to include "changing places" facilities in all new product development projects, where appropriate.

Fáilte Ireland works in partnership with the Government, State agencies, local authorities, representative groups and industry to develop tourism across lreland by creating destination development plans and networks, which includes investing in infrastructure. Fáilte Ireland also provides consumer and buyer insights.

Accessibility is a central element of any responsible and sustainable development. It is a critical component of tourism development, enabling all people to participate in and enjoy tourism experiences. This does not only equate to providing access to those with disabilities but it also addresses the importance of creating universally designed environments for people with physical needs, the increasing ageing population and those who have difficulty with mobility.

Implementing the principles of accessible tourism involves a collaborative process. Fáilte Ireland, working in partnership with public agencies, local authorities, NGOs and local stakeholders, will continue to use best practice in implementing the principles of universal design across all projects to ensure that all persons are able to use and enjoy all available amenities in an equitable and sustainable manner. This also showcases to other towns and cities around the country what can be achieved and the way forward for other projects across lreland.

Accessible tourism is about making it easy for everyone to enjoy tourism experiences while bearing in mind that improvements in accessibility can result in increased visitor numbers and enjoyment for all tourism. To further enhance its work in this important area, Fáilte Ireland is recruiting an inclusive tourism manager to oversee the new Fáilte Ireland inclusivity programme and to help shape and influence the future of tourism in Ireland. This role will support the Irish tourism sector in developing a tourism product that is inclusive of all tourists and travellers the length and breadth of Ireland.

By way of observation in the limited time I have, Fáilte Ireland has grant schemes. The Senator has asked whether there is a way to ensure they are fully disability proofed. When the inclusive tourism manager is appointed I would expect the Senator's first port of call will be a meeting with that person, whoever he or she is, to look at the process first. It is not always about reinventing the wheel but considering whether existing schemes can be adapted and become more robust within the area of disabilities in terms of inclusiveness.