Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had discussions with his counterparts in the EU and the US with a view to enhancing tourist traffic through this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1834/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I have had no specific meetings with my counterparts, as Minister for Tourism, in the EU and the US to discuss enhancing tourist traffic through this country. By its nature, tourism is an area where countries compete to maximise the number of visitors coming from abroad. In this regard, primary responsibility for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination rests with Tourism Ireland. Since coming into Office, both Minister of State Ring and I have attended a number of overseas promotional events on behalf of Tourism Ireland with the aim of highlighting the attractions of Ireland as a holiday destination. Also, my Department officials meet with their foreign counterparts to discuss the legal/regulatory framework under which air transport services can be provided.