Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the available resources for developing and co-ordinating niche tourism such as eco-tourism. [6189/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy, that under the National Tourism Development Authority Act, Fáilte Ireland has the devolved function to encourage, promote and support the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State. I am informed that Fáilte Ireland is closely involved in the development of a nationwide eco-tourism certification programme. In addition, in order to establish a nationwide standard in eco-tourism and green labelling, Fáilte Ireland is in the process of establishing a validation scheme. This means that the labels and certification programmes that exist in Ireland for green tourism businesses and eco-tourism will have the option to go through an independent scheme in order to be validated, and therefore promoted, by Fáilte Ireland.

Eco-tourism will continue to be a niche part of natural heritage and will be prioritised in the context of available resources. It is recognised that eco-tourism raises the bar for everyone involved in nature-based tourism in Ireland and therefore has an importance in generally encouraging awareness of good practice and appreciation of our natural environment.