Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of times the tourism renewal group has met to date; the progress that has been made in relation to a strategy for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8603/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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On 2 December last, I announced the establishment of the Tourism Renewal Group. The Group met for the first time on 18 December 2008 and has already met on two occasions since, on 27 January and on 24 February 2009. I understand that the Group has agreed a calendar of regular meetings in the coming months.

This high-level Group, which is chaired by Maurice Pratt and comprises representatives of the tourism trade, national and international experts and senior public servants, has been tasked with reviewing and, where appropriate, renewing the current tourism strategy, set out in "New Horizons for Irish Tourism: an Agenda for Action 2003-2012". The aim is to ensure that this strategy is focused for the short term and, looking further ahead, that the tourist industry is well placed to benefit from the upturn when it comes.

I have asked the Tourism Renewal Group to report back to me by the middle of 2009, following its considerations, with recommendations in the form of a Framework for Action for the period to 2013. I am advised that the Tourism Renewal Group has agreed a work programme to meet this challenging timetable, commencing with an assessment of the current position and broadly-based consultations.

A key element of the Renewal Group's work is engaging with the tourism industry partners and wider interest groups. I understand that the consultation process is underway. The Chair has already made a general call for submissions from interested parties, and the Group will also be engaging directly with key actors in the tourism and related sectors in the next few weeks.

This process of consultation will ensure that the Group is well-informed on the current position and key trends across the board. It will be the basis for its subsequent work of analysis and recommendations.

Further information on the Tourism Renewal Group is available on my Department's website http://www.dast.gov.ie, including relevant press releases, the Chairman's call for submissions and the Group's Terms of Reference.