Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the extent to which she has evaluated economic potential and job creation throughout the various sectors under the aegis of her Department; her plans for the future in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4202/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the degree to which she has had discussions with tourism, sport and recreational groups coming within the aegis of her Department with a view to promoting their respective sectors and thereby maximising job opportunities directly and indirectly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4203/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the extent to which she has engaged with those involved in culture, sport and the arts with a view to utilising the potential of this sector to promote the national image and maximise job creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4204/11]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 79 to 81, inclusive, together.

In the normal course of my duties, I regularly engage with a variety of stakeholders on tourism, cultural and sporting matters, and such discussions often include matters of an economic nature and issues relating to the national image.

In particular, in September 2010, tourism, culture and sport consultation forums were held in the National Museum at Collins Barracks in the context of the formulation of the Department's new Statement of Strategy for the period 2011 to 2013. These forums involved wide-ranging and in-depth discussions and presentations on all aspects of the tourism industry, the national cultural agenda, and sports matters. A particular emphasis was to discuss ways of maintaining employments levels in the sectors and maximising their contribution to the overall economy.

As I indicated to the stakeholders at the conclusion of the consultation forums, their comments and views were much appreciated. I also pointed out that priorities and objectives for the tourism, culture and sport sectors, including decisions on the allocation of resources, would be determined within the parameters of the resources available and the potential of the sector to contribute to national economic recovery and society development.