Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 737: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to utilise CIE Tours International for The Gathering 2013. [29632/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Gathering Ireland 2013 will be Ireland's biggest ever tourism initiative. It aims to attract as many as 325,000 extra overseas visitors to Ireland, generating an additional €170 million in revenue to the Irish economy. The event presents a significant opportunity for all enterprises involved in Irish tourism, including CIE Tours International. Obviously, it will be an operational matter for these enterprises to maximise the benefits for them. The Irish Tour Operators Association, which represents incoming travel tour operators to Ireland, including CIE Tours International, is already a confirmed partner for the initiative. It will be working closely with the dedicated Gathering project team in Fáilte Ireland in this regard. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply in relation to the operational details of its work with tour operators, including CIE Tours International. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.