Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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Question 731: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider having English language training promoted by Enterprise Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14811/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Fáilte Ireland was established under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003, following the amalgamation of Bord Fáilte Éireann and CERT. Its primary functions are the development of quality tourism product, domestic tourism marketing, tourism standards, enterprise support, capability building and human resource development for the tourism industry.

Tourism Ireland Limited, was incorporated in December 2000 by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and the then Bord Fáilte Éireann. It is accountable to the North South Ministerial Council with funding for its operations being provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and my own Department. The primary remit of the company is to promote the island of Ireland as a tourist destination in overseas markets.

The International Education Strategy 2010-15 "Investing in Global Relationships" retained Fáilte Ireland's role in the promotion of English language training in Ireland, within the overall framework for international education, based on its record in the sector. This was confirmed by the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in March 2011 when they launched the cross-sectoral "Education in Ireland" brand, the umbrella brand for marketing the Irish higher education and the English Language Sectors internationally. Fáilte Ireland works in strategic partnership with tourism interests to support the industry in its efforts to be more competitive and more profitable and to help individual enterprises to enhance their performance. Fáilte Ireland works closely with the industry, with Tourism Ireland in the overseas markets and also with Enterprise Ireland, which manages the Education in Ireland brand.

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 732: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff by grade in the Tourism Ireland's Offices in Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates and the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15614/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.