John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures currently in place to develop eco-tourism in view of the array of marine life here; his plans to introduce a programme to encourage eco-tourism; if the Government has ever researched the area in the past in view of the fact that the whale-watching business is worth more than $1 billion annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32881/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As part of its research, development and co-ordination brief, the Marine Institute has supported a range of activities in the marine and water-based tourism sector. It has also participated in a EU INTERREG funded project, Marine Ecotourism for the Atlantic area. I have been advised that the project resulted in the establishment of a cluster group of marine ecotourism providers, the development of a range of promotional material and a series of marketing and IT training programmes. Those involved in the project published two significant documents in support of marine ecotourism. I understand that the further development of niche tourism of this nature is a matter for Fáilte Ireland, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.