John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will liaise with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and bring to his attention the hugely detrimental impact on tourism of the high level of crime directed against tourists in this country and specifically the impact on language school tourism resulting from the recent appalling murder of a young girl; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25627/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Crime and measures to prevent and combat it are, as the Deputy is aware, matters for the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform and An Garda Síochána, with whom my Department liaises on a number of issues of common concern, as they arise.

At the outset, I want to take this opportunity to extend, on my own behalf, on behalf of the Irish tourism sector and, I am sure, on behalf of all Members of the House, my heartfelt sympathies toward the parents, relatives and friends of this young girl (Manuela Riedo) who suffered such a tragic and senseless death.

We are all aware of the impact a crime can have on a person and his or her family. Those who are away from home, such as students and tourists, are even more vulnerable to such impacts. They are in a strange environment and their problems can be compounded by language, cultural and legal issues.

However, I would ask the House to note that there is no basis for the assertion that there is a high level of crime directed against tourists in this country. In international terms Ireland is regarded as a safe destination. It may not be widely known but Ireland is seen as a 'best practice' model in Europe in terms of the support it provides tourists in the aftermath of crime.

Of course, while the overwhelming majority of our visitors do not encounter crime, I do not consider that there is any acceptable level of crime and I believe that one outrage is one too many.

I am advised by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that a number of initiatives have been undertaken by the Community Relations Section of An Garda Síochána during the last ten years in response to crime directed against tourists in Ireland.

My Department also liaises with the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS), which receives funding from Fáilte Ireland as well as from the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. ITAS offers support and assistance to tourists who may become victims of crime while visiting Ireland. The service was launched in 1994 and, since that time, has, I understand, assisted over 8,000 visitors. In contrast, we received 7.7 million visitors in 2006 alone.

I can say that the effectiveness of our supports for tourists in difficulties is illustrated by the fact that

96% of ITAS clients would still recommend Ireland as a holiday destination.

88%, on average, elect to continue their holidays.

96% said the help provided by ITAS was sufficient for their needs.

While it is too early at present to assess fully the impact this tragedy may have on the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) market, I am advised that Fáilte Ireland will closely monitor the impact of the death of the Swiss student in Galway on this large and growing niche market.

Based on a survey carried out by Fáilte Ireland in 2006 with the Advisory Council for English Language Schools there are over 130,000 EFL students coming to Ireland each year and the numbers are growing. A growth rate of 5.4% is expected for 2007. The main markets remain in Europe, with Italy, Spain and France being the top three. However, it is estimated that between 5,000 and 8,000 EFL students come from Switzerland each year.