Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 667: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy on tourism promotion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14094/12]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 668: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy on increasing tourism numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14095/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 667 and 668 together.

The Government recognises the contribution that the tourism sector can make to Ireland's economic recovery. With that in mind, the Government's jobs Initiative last year introduced a number of measures specifically designed to stimulate the sector and improve the sector's international competitiveness. These included a reduction in the level of VAT which applies to a range of labour-intensive tourism services from 13.5% to 9%, significantly reducing the cost of employing people by halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages and the introduction of a Visa Waiver Scheme which makes Ireland more accessible for tourists from important new and emerging markets.

The indications are that the measures are working as last year showed growth in the number of visitors to Ireland for the first time since 2007. According to the Central Statistics Office, the number of overseas visits to Ireland in 2011 was over 6.5 million, which was an increase of 7.8% on 2010. The number of visits grew from all our main market areas, including Great Britain. Our target for this year is to increase visit numbers to Ireland by a further 4.5%.

To achieve these targets, Tourism Ireland is undertaking a range of promotional activities throughout the year, including a major promotion for the forthcoming St. Patrick's Day festivities. Their 'greening' initiative takes place again this year which will see iconic buildings and attractions 'go green' to mark St. Patrick's Day. Some famous additions this year include Niagara Falls and the TV Tower in Berlin. This will kick - off Tourism Ireland's major first half promotional drive to grow tourism from overseas.

As the deputy will be aware, 'The Gathering Ireland 2013' 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 incremental 325,000 overseas visitors to Ireland in 2013. I will be launching the event in London later this week and it will be promoted at every suitable opportunity for the remainder of the year.

In terms of general promotion of tourism, I was pleased to secure over €39m for the Tourism Marketing Fund this year. As Tourism Ireland is the agency with primary responsibility for the use of this money, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the agency for additional reply. If you have not received a response from them in ten working days, please inform my private office.