Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 24: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the actions he intends to take to restore the competitiveness of tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5317/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 56 of 1 December 2004. In it I outlined my views on how the restoration of competitiveness must be addressed by both the private and public sectors.

For my part, my contribution is to see a coherent tourism development action plan implemented effectively in co-operation with all the major players. To this end, I established a high-level implementation group to advise and assist in driving forward and monitoring the comprehensive action plan set out in the report of the tourism policy review group, which highlighted the need to restore competitiveness. The implementation group's first progress report has been widely circulated among the industry and it was discussed at the first tourism industry forum on 17 November last. I understand that the group intends to present its second report to me in April.