Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential offered by the development of the cruise industry in Ireland; if he will identify the parts of the country in particular that could benefit from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16904/12]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential offered by the development of the cruise industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16864/12]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential offered by the development of the cruise industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16910/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 45 and 61 together.

I believe that cruise tourism has significant potential and the recent consultation document published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine "Our Ocean Wealth - Towards an Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland" confirmed that cruise ship tourism continues to grow with a 12% increase in 2010 with over 200 cruise liners visiting the island and carrying over 305,000 passengers.

In relation to the actual development of cruise tourism, the matters raised are of an operational nature and are for consideration by Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputies' questions to the agency for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.