Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the Restaurants Association of Ireland is proposing that tourism and hospitality studies will be part of the second level curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37334/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Hotel, Catering and Tourism is one of the vocational modules which may be taken by students as part of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme.

Within Transition Year, there are also a number of optional modules including Good Food, the Irish Experience developed by Fáilte Ireland, the Fáilte Ireland Tourism programme, and Food Matters focusing on health food choices, the Irish diet over time, and adapting traditional Irish recipes with a modern added twist. Schools also have the flexibility to develop their own programmes. Home Economics (Social and Scientific) is a subject offered at both Junior and Leaving Certificate level which includes extensive coverage of food studies, consumer studies and resource management. The proposals for locally developed short courses to be provided by schools as part of the proposals for junior cycle reform will present new opportunities should schools wish to offer programmes in this area.

In addition to the above, a range of Post Leaving Certificate courses in Travel and Tourism, and Hotel Catering and Tourism and the leisure industry are also provided.