Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps that have been taken to 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 as outlined in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8578/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the provisions of section 8(1) of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003, it is a day to day matter for Fáilte Ireland to encourage, promote and support either inside or outside the State (a) the development of Tourism traffic within and to the state and (b) the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State.

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.

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 is 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.