Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions if any, being taken in conjunction with the Stormont Assembly, to promote Derry, as the city of culture 2013. [16553/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Obviously primary responsibility for the promotion of Derry-Londonderry as the UK City of Culture rests with the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland. As the North-South body responsible for the promotion of the island of Ireland as a tourist destination, Tourism Ireland will play a significant role in the overseas marketing of the event and I understand that the agency's activity in this regard has already commenced. As this is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland, I have forwarded the question to the agency for further direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days. Of course, the UK City of Culture is not primarily a tourism event, and the Government is generally supportive of this opportunity for Derry and the whole North-West and wants cultural and other relevant organisations to do whatever they can to assist or benefit from the year-long programme.

In terms of cooperation with the Northern Ireland Executive, as the Deputy will be aware, tourism was identified in the Good Friday agreement as a key area for North/South cooperation, and consequently it is one of the sectors on which the North/South Ministerial Council meets in sectoral format, to make decisions on common policies and approaches in the area of tourism. The last meeting in Tourism Sectoral format took place on 25 January at which I met the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland, Ms Arlene Foster MLA. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss significant tourism opportunities north and south such as the Titanic anniversary this year, The Gathering Ireland 2013 and the Derry-Londonderry City of Culture. A further meeting in Tourism Sectoral format will take place later this year.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a strategy to empower and encourage Irish persons working and living abroad to promote Ireland as a tourist destination. [16850/12]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Gathering 2013 project which was launched internationally during the St. Patrick's festivities; when it will be launched domestically; if he will provide details of the Council of Champions who will be acting as ambassadors for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16903/12]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans being prepared to mark the 50th anniversary of President John F Kennedy's visit to Ireland in 2013; if he will seek to ensure that the 50th anniversary of JFK's visit be included as part of the Gathering 2013 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17146/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 44 and 267 together.

I presented proposals for "The Gathering 2013" at the Global Irish Economic Forum last October. Fáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of the initiative and have put in place a Project Board to oversee it, while Tourism Ireland Limited will have specific responsibility for promoting "The Gathering 2013" in overseas markets. The event will the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland and will consist of a year-long programme of festivals, events and other gatherings. The recent St. Patrick's day festivities were used for the overseas launch of "The Gathering Ireland 2013" while a domestic launch is planned for mid-April. A new website has recently gone live with information on how people can play their part in the event. In addition, social media channels are already on stream to promote the event and engage prospective visitors. While my Department is not primarily responsible for historical commemorations such as the 50th anniversary of President John F Kennedy's visit to Ireland, the Gathering will build on opportunities, such as existing events and anniversaries, to maximise engagement and interest at home and abroad.

The Council of Champions is to act as a forum to engage the wider community at home and abroad. Tim O'Connor, former Secretary-General to the President, is acting as Chair of the Council of Champions and is also a member of the Gathering Project Board. The Council will comprise of individuals of significant standing who have networks, expertise and experience to activate support and enhance the capacity of the event. Obviously the Irish diaspora have always had a critical role in acting as tourism ambassadors for Ireland and the Gathering Ireland 2013 will provide an even greater opportunity to connect with millions who feel linked by family, friends or otherwise with Ireland and to work with Irish people working and living abroad to promote Ireland as a tourist destination.

I will ask Fáilte Ireland to provide more details on the Gathering to the Deputies directly, and in relation to events and other tourism matters concerning the 50th anniversary of President John F Kennedy's visit to Ireland to Deputy Timmins. If you do not receive a response with ten working days, please contact my private office.

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the tourism initiatives he will be taking in relation to the Olympic torch relay coming to Dublin. [16557/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The International Olympic Committee agreed last December that the Olympic Flame will visit Dublin on 6 June as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. Responsibility for all operational aspects of the visit of the Olympic Torch Relay to Ireland, including the relay route, rests with the Olympic Council of Ireland. From a tourism perspective, it will be the responsibility of the tourism agencies to maximise any opportunities that this year's Olympics provide. The Olympic Torch Relay visiting Dublin will certainly provide a welcome additional focus on Ireland in June and it will be an operational matter for Tourism Ireland to maximise the opportunities provided by the relay to promote Ireland to overseas tourists. Accordingly, I have forwarded a copy of your question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.