Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which an overall and forensic assessment of the tourism industry has been undertaken with a view to identification of the factors deemed most likely to inhibit progress, growth and development; if he will outline the specific issues, if any, identified as being fundamental in the context of a major expansion of the industry here with the emphasis on employment creation through competitiveness and quality of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18908/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he has had discussions with the stakeholders in the tourism sector with a view to ensuring that the VAT reductions announced in the jobs initiative are passed on to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19208/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he or his Department monitors the various elements likely to contribute to development and growth in the tourism sector with particular reference to the maximisation of job opportunities and service to the consumer; the measures taken, if any, arising from any such appraisal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19209/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which costs in the tourism sector here are comparable and competitive with those in other jurisdictions throughout the EU; the extent to which it is necessary to address any issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19210/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had any recent discussion with the various stakeholders in the tourism sector with a view to achieving maximum employment leading to economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19211/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which issues have arisen in discussions he has had with stakeholders in the tourism sector which are deemed to be of a significant or fundamental nature in the development of the sector; his plans if any for initiative in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19212/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 177 to 181, inclusive, together.

I have an ongoing dialogue with major stakeholders in the tourism sector. The Jobs Initiative recognises the vital contribution of tourism to employment, economic activity and exports. The reduced VAT rate on a range of labour-intensive tourism services from 13.5% to 9% is a major concession providing an opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of Irish tourism.

I have written to the main representative bodies asking their members to pass on the benefits of the VAT reduction. There are no sanctions that the Government can take against individual businesses that do not pass on the benefits of the VAT reduction. However, consumers may wish to consider whether they should favour establishments that have clearly demonstrated their willingness to pass on the VAT cut.

The Government has also reduced the cost of employing people by halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages and also by reviewing the regulatory framework for employment in a range of sectors. The new National Internship Scheme (NIS) provides an opportunity for the tourism industry to take on interns in a range of areas. The Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme will allow persons from selected countries granted leave to enter the UK as a tourist or business visitor to be able to travel to Ireland without the requirement to obtain an Irish visa. These measures should help grow and sustain employment in the sector. I hope that we are beginning to see a recovery across the various overseas source markets for Ireland – with year-on-year growth of 8.6% in visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2011, including growth of 12% from areas outside Europe and North America.