Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he has made with the relevant agencies to maximise the tourism potential for Ireland of the European Football Championships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8597/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy's question relates to the tourism potential for Ireland arising from this summer's European Football Championship.

Obviously the main tourism implications for Ireland of this year's European Football Championships will be related to the number of Irish supporters travelling to Poland and the Ukraine for the tournament and the extent to which carriers and others may focus on outbound traffic from Ireland to those countries for the duration of the event. The event may, however, provide some opportunities to encourage overseas visitors to come to Ireland in the future. As the Deputy will be aware, Tourism Ireland is the agency responsible for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination. I understand that the agency is exploring a range of possible initiatives to maximise the tourism potential for Ireland. This is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland and I have referred the Deputy's Questions to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.