John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he had discussions recently with representative organisations of bed and breakfasts and guesthouses here; if he intends to being proposals to Government to help this ailing sector and prevent its further demise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21065/06]

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. Since taking up my appointment as Minister with responsibility for Tourism, I have met with representative organisations of the bed and breakfasts and guesthouses sector and there is regular contact between such organisations and my Department and the Tourism State Agencies.

The key issues affecting the performance of the bed and breakfast sector were examined in a major review commissioned by Fáilte Ireland. This review, which was published in September 2005, identifies the reluctance of younger families to become involved in offering "Irish Home" or B&B type accommodation as other proprietors retire from the business as being a significant factor in the decline in the number of approved premises. The reluctance of younger families stems from a variety of reasons including the options for work outside the home that are available and increases in relative wealth which have lessened the necessity for entering the business.

It is also true to say that there have been other contributory factors to the loss in market share of the B&B 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.

The Deputy 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 help 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 Fáilte Ireland's Irish Welcome Awards were in respect of people running B&Bs.

Insofar as Government support for the sector is concerned, I understand that Fáilte Ireland has identified a number of actions designed to encourage suppliers to both remain in, and enter the business. In particular the approach to marketing both individual premises and the sector overall is to be refreshed. 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.