Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the ongoing closure of bed and breakfast outlets here; his further views on the general fall-off in profitability in this sector of the tourism industry; if he has had discussions with industry representatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8199/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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As I have previously advised the House, I do not have responsibility for the registration and listing of tourist accommodation facilities. This is a day-to-day function of Fáilte Ireland under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003.

However, I understand that the key issues affecting the performance of the bed and breakfast sector have been examined in a major review commissioned by Fáilte Ireland. This review identifies the reluctance of younger families to become involved in offering "Irish Home" or bed and breakfast type accommodation as other proprietors retire from the business as being a significant factor in the decline in the number of approved premises.

It is also true to say that there have been other contributory factors to the loss in market share of the bed and breakfast and guesthouse sector such as changes in consumer preferences, growth in urban and short-break holiday taking and the large addition of budget hotel accommodation stock.

Deputies will appreciate that just as visitors cannot be compelled to visit particular locations neither can they be obliged to avail of particular products or types of accommodation. The responsibility primarily lies with the individual communities and operators in the sector to identify and market persuasively unique product offerings that will provide the visitor with a quality holiday experience and deliver value for money.

Having said that, Fáilte Ireland recognises that staying in an Irish home can be a defining experience for overseas visitors and it is determined to ensure that this should remain a significant element of the Irish tourism brand. The importance of the product is reflected in the fact that over half of the 3,000 nominations received in 2005 for the Irish Welcome Awards were in respect of people running bed and breakfast accommodation.

I understand Fáilte Ireland has identified a number of actions designed to encourage suppliers to both remain in and enter the sector. In particular, the approach to marketing both individual premises and the sector overall is to be refreshed. Overall, the authority is committed to working with the relevant representative bodies and recognised marketing groups to implement the findings of the strategic review, a copy of which can be downloaded from Fáilte Ireland's corporate website www.failteireland.ie.