Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he will maximise visitor numbers from the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China; the budget allocation in place to promote Ireland as a tourist destination in each of these countries over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13706/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The promotion of Ireland as a holiday destination in specific markets, including the countries mentioned, and decisions on budgets allocated for specific markets are operational matters for Tourism Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply in this regard. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

On the broader tourism policy side, the Government's Jobs initiative includes several measures specifically aimed at assisting the tourism sector. These include the three-pronged strategy to encourage carriers to restore access, covering the Air Travel Tax, airport charges and targeted cooperative marketing to drive business on new routes from key tourism source markets. Also included is the reduction of VAT from 13.5% to 9% on the costs of certain services, including restaurant, accommodation and admission charges to tourist attractions, which will help attract tourists from all markets.

Of particular interest for some of the long haul developing markets is the introduction of the Visa Waiver Programme on a pilot basis from July 2011 to October 2012. This measure will allow tourists from certain countries who are in possession of a valid UK visa and who have already entered the UK to have that visa recognised by Ireland as sufficient for lawful entry into the State at no additional cost. The countries covered by the planned Visa Waiver Scheme include the Russian Federation, China and India; Brazil is currently visa-exempt. This imaginative measure will encourage visitors to Great Britain to extend their trips without the cost and inconvenience of applying for an Irish visa. I expect the tourism agencies to make the most of this opportunity this year and, particularly in 2012, to encourage people from these markets to come to Ireland and experience our hospitality for the first time in conjunction with the London Olympics.

These are just some of the measures aimed at ensuring that Ireland benefits from tourists from new and developing long haul markets. I look forward to working with the tourism agencies and other Departments in the months ahead to come up with further innovative ideas to ensure that we grow our market share from these markets.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has examined the Scottish model of winter tourism marketing; if visitor numbers for Scotland indicate that this model is successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13511/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited, in the first instance, as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas, working together with Fáilte Ireland where appropriate. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.