Written answers

Wednesday, 31 March 2010

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Departmental Functions

8:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the responsibilities that have been assigned to her Department following the recent re-configuration of portfolios; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13999/10]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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No additional responsibilities have been assigned to my Department following the recent re-configuration of portfolios but, responsibility for the horse and greyhound industries has been transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The Government envisages a very important role for the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, not only in the vital areas of tourism promotion and performance but in reaching the full potential of our strong reputation in the areas of art and culture. The three sectoral areas for which I have responsibility, Tourism, Culture and Sport, play a major role in terms of their contribution to employment and have significant potential to contribute to our economic recovery.

In particular, our Arts and Culture, which are part of what makes us unique, are associated globally with creativity and imagination. These important assets underpin and reinforce the branding of Ireland and serve to drive the dynamic growth area of cultural tourism. As I have said in this House when I was appointed Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, "Our culture is the rose on the table" and I look forward to continuing to ensure that our culture continues to be celebrated, promoted and developed.

A great deal of emphasis is placed on sport in this country and it is certainly true that we punch above our weight internationally in many areas of sport. At national and at local level, much has been achieved so far in terms of facility provision and the development of communities and clubs with major potential for people to participate in sport. I propose to continue this trend and to set increased participation in sport, which can impact positively on people and their wellbeing, as one of my key objectives.

Turning to Tourism, the economic aspects of this sector are very significant. Some 200,000 people are employed in the sector which generates almost €4b in foreign revenue earnings and a total of €1.2b in tax receipts. While there are challenges in developing this sector further in the current economic climate, I strongly believe that there is significant potential for growth in tourism particularly by building on the synergies that exist already between the three sectors for which my Department has responsibility.

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