Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the main elements of the new Fáilte Ireland seven year tourism programme; the shortcomings in the tourist industry here that the report has identified; the initiatives that will be taken during the seven year period to develop tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11738/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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On 15 February last, Failte Ireland published a seven year strategy to guide public and private sector investment in tourism. The strategy was drawn up by an expert Review group, representing a cross section of tourism interests from both the public and private sectors. In preparing its recommendations, the group undertook a comprehensive analysis of international trends and of the responses of our competitors; it examined product opportunities; and it undertook a very detailed assessment of the quality and the relevance of the Irish tourism product offering, including its 'fitness for purpose', in today's volatile marketplace.

The Review group carried out a national tourism product audit to assess the quantity and quality of the tourism product. The analysis showed that with selective investment the Irish tourism product has the potential to enable the industry to substantially expand its market share.

The analysis recommended that support for tourism product development should be market driven, with less of a focus on accommodation, other than in specified circumstances. More investment is needed in tourism infrastructure and attractions. Investment is also needed in major new events and other tourism products that will attract visitors.

The strategy proposes a framework and policy guidance for the long-term development of the tourism product. The 67 recommendations cover areas that include:

Capital investment in the hard tourism product;

Infrastructure and services relevant to tourists;

The physical environment;

Packaging and presentation; and

Expanding the skills and capability of people working in the tourism industry.

The recommended proposals fall into two areas: firstly a series of actions around the broader tourism agenda including protecting and managing the physical environment, enhancing access to and around the country and improving access to cultural heritage and secondly a series of funding supports.

The key recommendations of the strategy are reflected in the tourism programme announced in the recently published National Development Plan, 2007-13. I am particularly pleased that the NDP allocation of €800m for tourism — €317m of which is earmarked for product development and infrastructure including provision for the PPP funded capital cost of the National Conference Centre — will enable essential development under the new product strategy to be activated this year. It will also significantly ramp up support available for tourism product development compared with the level of funding provided under the previous NDP. A capital financial envelope of close to €14m will be available this year to help launch the new strategy. In addition, many of the other NDP programmes will also deliver improvements in environmental and other infrastructure recommended by Fáilte Ireland.