Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 780: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to provide €300 million to assist the industry, tourism agencies and local authorities in delivering the ambitious world-class product outlined in Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Product Development Strategy 2007 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47754/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 781: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to place greater emphasis on the protection, conservation, interpretation and access to Ireland's natural and built heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47755/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 782: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to deepen North/South co-operation in tourism, building in particular on the success of Tourism Ireland as a dynamic and innovative cross-Border body leading the way on mutually advantageous all-island economic co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47756/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 783: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to establish, through Fáilte Ireland, an innovation fund to promote and support the development of tourism products that are new to the market here and to promote best practice, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and accessibility for tourists with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47757/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 784: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to develop with Fáilte Ireland, rural based package style holidays through which bed and breakfast owners and farm holiday operators can offer activities such as walking, angling, golfing and cycling in addition to the provision of accommodation and quality home cooked meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47758/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 785: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to develop a rolling programme of national culture, musical and literary festivals to enhance the tourism product here, in particular through the establishment of a new fund of €28 million for the creation of a small number of major annual events over the period to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47759/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 786: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to work with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to capitalise on the beauty of the countryside here and promote Ireland as a healthy activity holiday destination for walking, cycling, angling, golfing, sailing, equestrian and marine holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47760/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 787: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to invest €335 million under the national development plan in marketing Irish tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47764/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 788: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to seize the opportunities presented by the open skies arrangement with the US to substantially increase the number of US visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47765/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 789: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to provide marketing support to the Shannon region for a transitional period to help consolidate existing markets and develop new sources of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47766/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 790: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to build on the opportunities presented by the increasing availability of low cost flights from mainland Europe and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47767/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 791: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to undertake a strategic review of new and developing markets to identify the investment and action needed to realise their potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47768/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 792: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to put in place a strong promotional programme for the new national conference centre in Dublin with a view to doubling the level of business tourism to Ireland from €400 million to €800 million per year over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47769/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 793: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to investigate the feasibility of a regional conference centre in the Shannon/Limerick area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47770/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 794: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to encourage the tourism agencies to highlight national games here to a greater degree in their promotional activities and continue the policy of attracting suitable major sporting events to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47771/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 795: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to seek, with the tourism agencies and local authorities, suitable areas to develop and promote eco tourism, as well as enhancing the existing north-west project, the green box; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47772/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 796: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to invest in new information and communication technologies for marketing and customer relations management and training work with the regional tourism development boards, in conjunction with local authorities and the tourism industry, to develop comprehensive, interactive local area tourism websites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47773/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 797: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to invest €149 million under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 in training and human resources in the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47774/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 798: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to implement in full the Fáilte Ireland competing through people programme, which looks to people working in the industry as a principal source of competitive advantage, and their skills as a key variable in delivering strong business results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47775/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 780 to 798, inclusive, together.

The accompanying schedule lists each of the relevant tourism commitments and the progress made in advancing them by the Department and the bodies under its aegis.

The provision of €300 million to assist the industry, tourism agencies and local authorities in delivering the ambitious world-class product outlined in Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Product Development Strategy 2007-2013. Progress to date:

An allocation of €11 million has been provided in 2009 to support, by way of grants through Fáilte Ireland, investment in tourism infrastructure, attractions and activity products. A PPP funding commitment has also been provided for the construction and operation of the National Conference Centre in Spencer Dock in Dublin during the period up to 2013.

Initially, Fáilte Ireland primarily targeted infrastructure provision (e.g., walking and cycling routes, beach management works, access to angling waters etc) by local authorities. Over the period 2007 and 2008, grants totalling over €25.6 million were announced for expenditure on tourism infrastructure projects around the country. Separately, grants totalling almost €2.2 million were approved in September 2008 under Fáilte Ireland's Historic Towns Initiative, for the further development of historic walking trails in 35 towns around the country.

As the Plan continues, the focus of the investment has moved towards investment in Visitor Attractions and the expansion of various commercial Visitor Activities. This programme is known as the Tourism Capital Investment Programme (TCIP), and applications for funding were invited before the end of April 2008. This Programme provides support for the development of major visitor attractions and visitor activities. To date, grants totalling almost €12.5million have been announced for the redevelopment of projects.

1. Place much greater emphasis on the protection, conservation, interpretation and access to Ireland's natural and built heritage. Progress to date:

Issues around protection, conservation, interpretation and access to Ireland's natural and built heritage are a key part of Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Product Development Strategy 2007-2013, which itself was subject to an environmental assessment. Specific actions are scheduled to be rolled out as appropriate. Under the Tourism Capital Investment Programme (TCIP), investment in natural and built heritage visitor attractions concentrates on bringing alive and improving visitor appeal, as well as improving visitor access to sites. Fáilte Ireland has published its Environmental Action Plan, which provides a framework for its work in sustainable tourism development over the period 2007-2009.

Environmental conservation and sustainable design provisions have been incorporated into the guidelines for the assessment of projects under the mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Scheme, which was launched by An Taoiseach in June, 2008. Environmental Good Practice Guidelines have been agreed between Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Boat Rental Association for their members. Environmental guidelines are currently being prepared (in association with the GUI and GCSAI) for the management of golf courses.

2. Deepen North/South cooperation in tourism, building in particular on the success of Tourism Ireland as a dynamic and innovative cross-border body leading the way on mutually advantageous all-island economic co-operation. Progress to date:

North South co-operation on tourism has been ongoing for a number of years and continues on a regular basis between the relevant Departments North and South and the respective tourism agencies. Tourism Ireland markets the island of Ireland as a holiday destination in over 20 markets across the world. Northern Ireland is presented prominently in all of Tourism Ireland's global destination marketing campaigns which reach a potential audience worldwide of 200 million each year.

North South Ministerial Council Tourism Sectoral Meetings were held on 8th November 2007 in Dublin Castle and 29th May 2008 in Enniskillen. A further meeting will be held in the coming months. At the November 2007 meeting agreement was reached on Tourism Ireland's Business Plan for 2008 and Corporate Plan for the period 2008-2010. The May 2008 meeting approved Tourism Ireland's proposal to open a new and developing markets hub office to service markets such as India and China and also discussed the scope for further co-operation on tourism statistics.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) launched a call for suitable projects under INTERREG IVA during 2008. It is expected that about €30m (including match funding) will be available for tourism projects during the period to 2013 under INTERREG IVA. The call for suitable projects is now closed and consideration of applications by SEUPB is at an advanced stage with a number of projects approved by SEUPB's steering committee and forwarded to accountable Departments for their approval.

3. Establish, through Fáilte Ireland, an innovation fund to promote and support the development of tourism products that are new to the Irish market and to promote best practice, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and accessibility for tourists with disabilities. Progress to date:

Through its Environment Unit, established in 2006, Fáilte Ireland has been promoting environmental sustainability in a number of areas. Environmental good practice guidelines for festivals and events, and cruising have been published and grant applicants for the Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative are asked to state what they have done to make the event more environmentally sustainable. A copy of the environmental guidelines are issued with every grant application form.

Environmental guidelines are currently being prepared for the golf sector and for business tourism, both of which will be published later in 2009. Fáilte Ireland is also a partner of the Leave No Trace network which promotes responsible use of the countryside and the application of this code of practice is attached as a condition to a number of relevant grant-aided projects that involve use of natural areas for recreation.

A review of all tourism and hospitality education and training courses delivered throughout the State has just been completed by Fáilte Ireland to ascertain the current level of sustainability content in these courses. This has resulted in the publication of a comprehensive guideline document which recommends improved sustainability content in each of these courses.

During 2009, Fáilte Ireland plans to liaise with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in undertaking a review of its grant aid procedures insofar as they affect Natura 2000 sites to ensure that any grant applications which may involve a Natura 2000 are adequately and appropriately assessed. Also, an Innovation Fund was launched in 2008 to offer assistance in respect of feasibility studies for innovative tourism products. A number of feasibility studies for new products have been supported under this Fund.

4. Develop with Fáilte Ireland, rural-based package-style holidays through which B & B owners and Farm Holiday operators can offer activities such as walking, angling, golfing and cycling in addition to the provision of accommodation and quality home-cooked meals. Progress to date:

The development of theme-based package-style holidays with bed and breakfast owners and farm holiday operators will be informed and directed by the recommendations contained in the Irish Homes Bed and Breakfast working group report. The group included representatives of the B&B sector as well as officials from both Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Irish Tourist Board. The group concluded its work in December 2008. The main recommendations to help grow and develop the sector in the challenging times ahead concern the areas of licensing, classification and categorisation. An implementation group will be established shortly to oversee the execution of the report's recommendations. Currently, Fáilte Ireland is working with seven angling hubs, six walking hubs and two food hubs to help develop links with bed and breakfast owners and farm holiday operators in order to develop rural-based package style holidays.

Irish Home Operators are being encouraged to become members of regional activity hubs. To date an adventure hub has been established in Cork/Kerry, a family-friendly hub in the South East, a rural activity hub in the Glen of Aherlow, a salmon centre of excellence in Ballina and a cultural hub in the Western islands of Inishturk, Inishbofin & Clare Island. A further heritage initiative in the Boyne Valley area is at the early stages of development.

Over the last year, Fáilte Ireland has financed a €0.5 million programme of marketing and support for the small accommodation sector which has focused on the development and enhancement of e-Business capability and providing operators with supports to target and develop new business. This has resulted in significant investment in websites, booking systems, search engine marketing campaigns and targeted promotions in key trade and consumer events.

5. Develop a rolling programme of national culture, musical and literary festivals to enhance the Irish tourism product, in particular through the establishment of a new fund of €28 million for the creation of a small number of major annual events over the period to 2013. Progress to date :

Fáilte Ireland is committed to continued support for a number of key festivals under the Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative, the primary aim of which is to encourage the spatial spread of visitors throughout the country by strategically investing in attractive and sustainable festivals and cultural events that enhance the local tourism product and in turn expand regional tourism.

Fáilte Ireland, under the Festivals and Culture Events Initiative, has supported over 400 festivals and events through an investment in excess of €25 million during the six years 2002-2008. In this period, festivals and events which received funding, attracted over seven million people. In 2009 a further €3.35 million has been committed to larger festivals under the national programme and an estimated €900,000 will be invested in smaller festivals at regional level which are deemed to showcase Ireland's cultural offering and support the development of tourism in that area.

Festivals supported include a wide range of musical, multi-disciplinary arts festivals, literary festivals and other cultural festivals. Fáilte Ireland is committed to supporting existing festivals and cultural events as well as seeking out new opportunities for the creation of new festivals where necessary and which are deemed to have the potential to drive tourism to that area. The Arts Council has committed €2,463,000 to Multi-disciplinary festivals in 2009. An additional €925,000 has been allocated to the Small Festival Scheme. In addition, the Arts Council is providing €823,000 to Street Arts and Spectacle organisations..

6. Work with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to capitalise on the beauty of the Irish countryside and promote Ireland as a healthy activity holiday destination for walking, cycling, angling, golfing, sailing, equestrian and marine holidays. Progress to date:

Substantial investment has been made to date to capitalise on the beauty of the Irish countryside and assist in promoting Ireland as a healthy activity holiday destination. Over 334 projects have been supported during 2007 & 2008. These have covered a wide variety of products to suit all potential visitor needs. These include:

The development of 106 walks in association with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Walks have been developed to suit all level of walkers and they vary from one-day loops and long-distance hikes, to national parks, forest walks, pilgrim paths and slí na sláinte routes. In addition, Fáilte Ireland supports many walking festivals e.g. The Táin Walking Festival and Castlebar International Four Days' Walks Festival.

The development and completion of cycling hubs in Achill, Westport, Mullingar & Skibbereen. Work is also in progress on cycle trails at numerous locations, including Doolin, the Glen of Aherlow and on the Great Southern Trail.

Substantial investment in the areas of beach and water management, particularly for products like cruising and angling with pump-outs, moorings, signage, carparks, shower facilities, disabled access toilet facilities, disabled angling stands, boat washdown areas, footbridges etc. all developed to provide a better experience for the visitor.

Investment in the heritage area on driving trails and in historic towns with 33 towns across Ireland having been provided with funding.

In Golf, the signing of five-year contracts for the Solheim Cup and the Ladies Irish Open and the securing of a new sponsor for the Irish Open tournament which will take place in Co. Louth Golf Club in May '09. .

Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland have intensive marketing and promotion activities planned for 2009 and some of these are already underway, which will position Ireland both to the home and overseas market as an exciting, active and fun holiday destination.

7. Invest €335 million under the National Development Plan in marketing Irish Tourism. Progress to date:

Tourism Ireland implements an extensive marketing programme each year for the island of Ireland in Great Britain, Mainland Europe, North America and in New and Developing Markets. In the context of Tourism Ireland's 2008-2010 corporate plan, the objective is to continue to seek to win market share from our competitors.

The Tourism Services budget of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism for 2009 is €160 million, including €48.5 million specifically for overseas tourism marketing.

Tourism Ireland completed a fundamental review of Tourism Brand Ireland in 2007 to ensure that the brand proposition will continue to resonate with visitors into the future having regard to the changes that have taken place in Ireland and the world marketplace in the interim. Following on from this work new advertising and promotional materials are being rolled out in 2009.

Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland have worked closely in developing a regional marketing strategy to help support a wider spread of overseas visitors across the island. This strategy highlights ease of access and the variety of things to do and see, particularly in the regions.

8. Seize the opportunities presented by the Open Skies arrangement with the US to substantially increase the number of US visitors. To this end, we will provide marketing support to the Shannon region for a transitional period to help consolidate existing markets and develop new sources of business. Progress to date :

An Economic & Tourism Development Plan for the Shannon Airport Catchment Area, developed by the Minister for Transport in cooperation with other relevant Ministers, was published in January 2008.

A special overseas marketing programme, designed to address the challenges to the Shannon Airport catchment area post Open Skies, was launched in February 2008. €3 million was provided for this purpose in 2008 and again in 2009. The marketing programme is the result of close collaboration between Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and a Tourism Working Group which has been specifically formed for this purpose. The campaign — 'Discover Ireland's Wonderful West' — which is running in the U.S. and Great Britain highlights the many attractions of the western regions from Kerry to Donegal, including ease of direct access from many gateway cities, the good value fares and inclusive packages available, as well as showcasing a range of compelling offers from local industry. The campaign includes print, online, and radio advertising, co-operative marketing campaigns undertaken with airlines and tour operators and U.S. media and trade visits to the Shannon catchment area.

The Mid-Shannon Corridor Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme was launched by An Taoiseach in June, 2008. Since then, the Board, which will approve and certify projects submitted under the Scheme, has progressed its work, supported by Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development, and the agencies have also organised several information seminars with tax practitioners and tourism operators to outline the operational details of the Scheme.

Tourism Ireland continues to implement the recommendations contained in 'North America; Land of Opportunity' which was published in November 2006 following a comprehensive review of the American market and seeks to attract a significant increase in visitor numbers to the island.

9. Build on the opportunities presented by the increasing availability of low-cost flights from mainland Europe and the UK. Progress to date:

Tourism Ireland continues to work with airports and carriers in marketing campaigns to highlight the direct, competitive and convenient air access to Ireland. This activity is an important element in its regional strategy and particular emphasis has been placed on carriers and airports serving the regions of Ireland.

In 2008, Tourism Ireland devised and implemented co-operative campaigns with a range of carriers including Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Aer Arann, Air France BMI Baby and the leading American Airlines serving the Island of Ireland. These will be continued in 2009. In addition, cooperative campaigns have been implemented with sea carriers such as Stena, Irish Ferries and P&O.

10. Undertake a strategic review of new and developing markets to identify the investment and actions needed to realise their potential. Progress to date:

A review of new and developing markets, undertaken by Tourism Ireland, was launched at the end of 2007 with a view to securing growth in New and Developing Markets visitor numbers and revenue in the medium to long term.

In order to position itself to secure increased business from new and developing markets, Tourism Ireland has established an office in Shanghai, China and has appointed representatives in Mumbai, India and Dubai. Tourism Ireland has also received North South Ministerial Council approval to set up a Hub Office in Abu Dhabi to manage the Asian markets.

11. Put in place a strong promotional programme for the new National Conference Centre in Dublin with a view to doubling the level of business tourism to Ireland from €400 million to €800 million per year over the next ten years. Progress to date:

The National Conference Centre (NCC) is well-advanced and on schedule and already a number of conferences have been secured for September, 2010 onwards.

Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Dublin Convention Bureau are working closely with the operators, in marketing the Centre to secure bookings for 2010, when the Centre is scheduled to open, and beyond. In October 2008 the Convention Centre Dublin management team confirmed to Fáilte Ireland that already there are 10 confirmed events and 60 conference options. This represents a provisional booking amounting to over 70,000 delegates.

In the overall context of business tourism, the Business Tourism Section of Fáilte Ireland, working with Tourism Ireland and industry partners through the Business Tourism Forum, is implementing co-ordinated marketing strategies to grow high yield conference and incentive business from key overseas source markets to Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland provides distinct business supports for the Business Tourism Sector, aimed at developing and growing the business tourism visitor market.

Fáilte Ireland targets ambassadors and conferences of between 100 and 6000 delegates through: promotion of the Convention Centre Dublin, as described above; conference support; and ambassador and conference research.

In 2008 Fáilte Ireland supported 89 conferences through conference support. These conferences brought revenue of €32 million into the Irish economy.

The Association Conference Programme is operated by Fáilte Ireland as a support programme for potential conference ambassadors who may avail of professional help in organising their conference.

In addition, Fáilte Ireland has created a dedicated business tourism brand. This new brand underpins all Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland's marketing communications, thus ensuring Ireland's competitive advantage is clearly and succinctly communicated to our international audiences.

Fáilte Ireland has a dedicated business tourism website which is managed by the Failte Ireland Business Tourism Unit. In 2008, this website had 32,665 search engine click-throughs to irelandinspires.com (a 200% increase on 2007). It should be noted that this website is targeting a business-to-business customer, and therefore does not have the mass appeal of a business to consumer website.

Fáilte Ireland also supports the Incentive and Corporate Meeting segment. The Irish trade, i.e. hotels and destination management companies, receive support to attend international trade shows. These events are forums for the trade to meet with key potential buyers from international markets. In 2008, 45 Destination Management Companies received support for site inspections and familiarisation trips.

12. Investigate the feasibility of a Regional Conference Centre in the Shannon/Limerick area. Response :

The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism asked Fáilte Ireland to arrange an objective and independent study of the feasibility of such a facility. Indecon Consultants were engaged to carry out the feasibility study, the report of which was submitted to Fáilte Ireland, and this report has subsequently been presented to my Department.

The report concludes that the case for a regional conference centre in the Shannon/Limerick area is subject to considerable uncertainty and is marginal at best. Having examined the report, I agree with its findings and I intend to have this report published shortly.

13. Encourage the Tourism Agencies to highlight our National Games to a greater degree in their promotional activities and continue the policy of attracting suitable major sporting events to Ireland. Progress to date:

The GAA from its most senior administrative level and throughout the regions and local areas are being encouraged to become more aware of the tourism potential of Gaelic Games and to work with the Tourism agencies on issues of information and access.

Fáilte Ireland's International Sports Tourism Initiative (ISTI) is designed to attract major sporting events that can showcase Ireland as a major tourism destination. The events targeted have the ability to generate significant international media coverage and bring economic benefit to all the regions of Ireland.

A number of major sporting events are being supported in 2009, as follows:

Rally Ireland, a round of the World Rally Championship is a cross-border event taking place at the end of January 2009. This event will be run through seven counties, Cavan, Leitrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Sligo, Donegal and Roscommon. State sector support for the event is being provided jointly between Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL).

Galway will be one of eleven host ports in the Volvo Ocean Yacht Race 2008/2009. Fáilte Ireland is providing a comprehensive support package over two years as part of the arrangements to secure Galway's status as a host port. The race is expected to attract 140,000 visitors to Galway over the two weeks of the stopover, and generate a €43 million return on investment (direct and indirect).

The Tour of Ireland will take place between 19 — 23 August 2009. This is an annual event on the International Cycling Union calendar. It gives an opportunity to showcase some of the most scenic tourism areas of Ireland to a worldwide audience and attracts a number of the world's top teams and cyclists.

The Irish Open Golf Championship will be staged at Co. Louth Golf Club in May 2009. A new sponsor has been secured for the event which will be one of the most prestigious events on the European Tour calendar for 2009 which guarantees extensive TV exposure.

In addition, the Solheim Cup is to be hosted by Ireland at Killeen Castle, Co. Meath in 2011. The Solheim Cup is a biennial transatlantic team matchplay competition which is considered the ladies golf equivalent of the Ryder Cup. Government sponsorship — through Fáilte Ireland — for the Solheim Cup 2011 amounts to €5 million over 5 years (including €2.5 million towards the Ladies Irish Open during this period).

14. Seek, with the Tourism Agencies and Local Authorities, suitable areas to develop and promote eco tourism, as well as enhancing the existing Northwest Project, the Green Box. Progress to date:

Overall, ecotourism is an area of significant potential growth for the tourism sector over the coming years. Accordingly, during 2009, Fáilte Ireland will undertake market research in Ireland's principal overseas markets to provide a clearer understanding of the potential size of the ecotourism market and the particular needs of this emerging market.

Ecotourism is one of the themes for the new Tourism Learning Networks, which are being run on behalf of Fáilte Ireland in 2009. Three of these (West region, North-West region and East & Midlands region) are being run for Fáilte Ireland by the Greenbox in partnership with First Western.

During 2008, Fáilte Ireland funded the preparation and publication of an "Ecotourism Handbook" which is a practical guide to both existing tourism businesses and those who wish to start new businesses. This handbook was published jointly by the Greenbox and Fáilte Ireland in January 2009.

Fáilte Ireland is also committed to the promotion of the EU "Flower" eco-label for tourism accommodation that complies with specific eco-friendly criteria, which it launched on a pilot basis within the Greenbox area. During 2008, Fáilte Ireland provided €14,400 to the Greenbox to undertake 24 baseline environmental audits of tourism businesses, which represented the first step in working towards EU Flower accreditation.

At present, 23 tourism businesses in the piloted Greenbox area (18 in the Republic of Ireland and five in Northern Ireland) have received the EU Flower.

In April 2008, Fáilte Ireland also funded an exchange workshop between the Greenbox and Burren Connect (a project in the Burren working towards improved visitor management in the Burren), with a view to introducing certified ecotourism to the Burren. This workshop led to the establishment of the Burren Ecotourism Working Group, which meets regularly, hosted by Burren Connect, with a view to developing ecotourism within the Burren.

In its 2008 report "A Review of Good Environmental Policy and Practice in the Tourism Industry", Fáilte Ireland set a target for Ireland to have 50 EU Flowers by the end of 2009. This would represent the highest concentration of EU Flower eco-labels for tourist accommodation in any of the EU Member States.

The Tourism Infrastructure Fund, from which local authorities and other public bodies were eligible for support within Fáilte Ireland's Product Development Programme, emphasises the provision of environmentally sustainable and enhancing infrastructure, so that an ecologically friendly offering is developed.

15. Invest in new information and communication technologies for marketing and customer relations management and training. Progress to date:

Fáilte Ireland's suite of websites was redesigned and re-launched in 2007, with enhancements introduced, including an advanced interactive mapping facility to speedily allow the consumer to access accommodation and attractions of interest. Investment in a new self-catering e-business platform to link into the discoverireland.ie website is planned for 2009.

The Small Accommodation Sector support programme provides funding and support for the development of eBusiness capability and marketing through the provision of matched funding for investment in websites, booking systems and search engine marketing campaigns. Significant supports were put in place in 2008 with all the representative bodies and associations. Based on the success of the 2008 programme, investment will continue in 2009 for upgrading the ICT resources of each of the sector association groups. Also, it is planned to put in place a task group to develop a bespoke e-business strategy for the bed and breakfast product to address changing consumer behaviour in the sector.

An eBusiness programme for small and medium accommodation providers has been designed to help operators promote their business online and sell more rooms through this channel. The programme is offered at two levels — Introductory and Intermediate. Introductory Level is aimed at operators with little or no knowledge of the internet or email while Intermediate Level will encourage operators to use the tools of the internet to grow and develop their business. Over 50 programmes, catering for over 500 operators took place between May and December 2008.

In 2008, Fáilte Ireland launched a new Web support initiative aimed at assisting tourism SMEs in the area of e-business and web development. This initiative is part of a broader e-business strategy designed to support SMEs in developing their web capability. In 2007 over 50% of tourists who came to Ireland used the internet to plan their holiday and this is projected to increase to 75% by 2010.

The first phase of the Fáilte Ireland Web Support Initiative "WEB-CHECK" is well under way with a total of 476 SMEs participating in the programme. The businesses involved reflect the broad spectrum of the tourism industry with B&Bs, self catering, equestrian, activity, golf, hotels and attractions all actively engaged in the initiative.

WEB-CHECK essentially involves an SME being partnered with an e-business specialist who works onsite for one full day with the individual business in identifying e-business/web needs while providing guidance towards the appropriate solutions. Participating businesses gain practical, one-to-one advice from an expert who helps the individual SME through the process in order to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. During 2009 an additional 380 WEB-CHECKS are scheduled to be delivered.

WEB-BUILD, the second phase of the initiative which was launched in the last quarter of 2008 will allow for the implementation of the agreed improvement measures as identified in WEB-CHECK. Areas of focus within WEB-BUILD will involve delivering improvements to website functionality, on-line sales and e-marketing campaigns. During the period October to December, 2008 40 WEB-BUILDS were undertaken. A further 160 WEB-BUILDS are scheduled to be delivered during 2009, incorporating approximately 40 WEB-STARTS (i.e. a facility specifically designed to assist tourism SME's to develop a web-specification for the design and construction of a website tailored to their individual business needs).

The final phase, WEB-SKILLS, will provide additional training support through a series of regionally-run workshops to continue strengthening the SME's web presence. During the period October to December 2008, 10 WEB-SKILLS e-business workshops were held with a total of 180 delegates attending. In 2009 an additional 30 WEB-SKILLS e-business workshops are scheduled with a target of 600 delegates to attend; in addition four inter-regional e-Symposiums are scheduled during 2009.

16. Work with the Regional Tourism Development Boards, in conjunction with Local Authorities and the Tourism Industry, to develop comprehensive, interactive local area tourism websites. These will carry details of all possibilities in an area for tourists and will have a booking facility. Progress to date:

The Discover Ireland website www.discoverireland.ie is the main tourism website for the Irish domestic holiday market and is powered by the National Tourism database known as the Tourism Contents System or TCS which is a comprehensive database of all activities, attractions, accommodation, events and businesses in the tourism industry.

The www.discoverireland.ie website is currently being re-designed, to ensure it is fully accessible, more efficient and user friendly. This project is expected to be completed in May 2009. Workshops will be conducted with the trade and consumers to ensure their requirements are met in the new design. There will no longer be a booking facility as part of discoverireland.ie. Instead, each premises will use its own booking engine/preferred booking partner to conduct business. Part of the redesign, however, will include developing a platform for special offers from the trade to meet the challenging economic environment they are now facing.

Hosted within discoveireland.ie, each region has its own website, thereby achieving significant economies of scale for hardware and software e.g. www.discoverireland.ie/west or www.discoverireland.ie/southwest. Within these sites, the Tourism Contents System provides all the data relevant to tourism in that area. The TCS is updated on a daily basis within each region e.g. with details of upcoming festivals and events.

As a subset of the regional sites, a number of sub-regional sites have been created to focus on particular areas of tourism interest e.g. www.discoverireland.ie/connemara or www.discoverieland.ie/lakelands. As a subset of the regional site, each county is also represented under discoverireland.ie. For example, www.discoverireland.ie/cork or www.discoveireland.ie/offaly. This presents the data from the Tourism Contents System relevant to that county.

A comprehensive programme of activity of upgrading and optimising the information in the TCS and the websites is ongoing and is an essential focus for Fáilte Ireland.

All of the websites provide the consumer with the opportunity to book accommodation online. All registered and approved accommodation is available to book.

17. Invest €149 million under the National Development Plan, 2007-2013, in training and human resources in the tourism sector.

Implement in full the Fáilte Ireland 'Competing through People' programme, which looks to people working in the Industry as a principal source of competitive advantage, and their skills as a key variable in delivering strong business results. Progress to date :

The National Development Plan, 2007-2013, includes a Training and Human Resources sub-programme of €149 million.

Participation in Fáilte Ireland skills development, education, and tourism advocacy programmes increased by more than 20% to over 16,000 in 2008. This activity was aimed at potential and new labour market entrants in addition to the existing tourism workforce. The objective of these programmes is to develop practical skills and build capability in key areas of customer service and enterprise management. A similar number are expected to participate in this activity in 2009.

Fáilte Ireland continues to play a role in mediating between the skills needs of the tourism industry (classified by Forfás as a medium skills industry, drawing significantly on specialist operational craft skills) and the teaching practice and provision of the Institutes of Technology. Without these core craft skills, tourism enterprises will fail to meet the standards demanded by consumers and the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry will correspondingly suffer. A deliberate shift in policy direction has been introduced in this area — moving from a fulltime towards a part time model of training. This shift in emphasis has been introduced to secure greater efficiencies in training delivery through the Institutes of Technology (IoTs). Negotiations with the IoT sector are ongoing with a view to full implementation of programme change in 2010.

Fáilte Ireland is broadening the range of skills development opportunities available to both existing tourism staff as well as those developing entry-level skills in preparation for joining the industry. This involves a continuing emphasis on training design and innovative delivery methods, as well as a strong focus on practical work experience. Having successfully identified and addressed an industry desire to improve the guest service experience at operative level in 2008, training resources in Fáilte Ireland training centres will continue to offer a short, focused, onsite improvement programme for front-line staff in 2009. Fáilte Ireland will target 3,000 customer facing operatives in industry for the first half of 2009, again at a time convenient to the enterprise and on-site thereby minimising time lost and operational disruption.

The new online Tour Guide Programme at foundation level — developed and successfully delivered late in 2008 — will be offered again in 2009. In the meantime, the National Tour Guide programme at FETAC level 6 has been made available on-line since January 2009. Both initiatives are designed to train multi-lingual tour guides to work in the coach tourism sector.