Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on The Gathering 2013 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1356/12]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on The Gathering 2013 project. [1398/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 58 together.

I presented proposals for "The Gathering 2013" at last October's 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum. The National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of The Gathering initiative. The event will be the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland and will consist of a year-long programme of festivals, events and other gatherings in every region of the country. The aim is to bring an additional 325,000 overseas visitors to Ireland.

As outlined at the Global Irish Economic Forum, the initiative is being overseen by a small, tightly-focused working group, bringing together the tourism bodies and my Department, along with other members with relevant expertise on a pro bono basis, in a Project Board, under the chair of Ann Riordan (formerly Chair of Tourism Ireland and of Dublin Tourism). The Project Board will oversee planning and delivery of the Gathering, supported by a small executive team drawn mainly from the tourism agencies alongside graduates under the JobsBridge programme. This will be supported by a Council of Champions, which will act as a forum to engage the wider community at home and abroad to provide support. Tim O'Connor, former Secretary-General to the President, will act as Chair of the Council of Champions and he is also a member of the Project Board.

As operational progress in relation to the Gathering is primarily a matter for Fáilte Ireland,I have referred the Deputy's questions to them for additional reply. If you have not received a response from them in ten working days, please inform my private office.