John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he is taking in relation to marine tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39854/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Earlier this year the Marine Institute facilitated, on behalf of the Department, an interdepartmental working group to develop a marine tourism and leisure strategy for the period 2007 to 2013. The group comprised representatives from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; the Departments of Arts, Sport and Tourism; Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Environment, Heritage and Local Government; tourism bodies and county councils. The group completed a Marine Tourism & Leisure Strategy for the period 2007 to 2013 with detailed recommendations for the development of this sector.

The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources fully endorses the strategy which recommends that the interests of marine and water related tourism will be best served by reintegrating marine tourism within the strategic development of tourism as a whole, with the lead development role to be undertaken by Fáilte Ireland. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will continue to provide scientific, environmental and resource management advice on marine tourism development via the Marine Institute.