Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that the European Commission has launched a new call for a proposal (details supplied), his plans to develop the specific area of eco tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35428/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to boost employment in the tourist industry; if he plans to introduce a national cultural tourism policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42034/12]

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop cultural tourism in fishing communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42031/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 324 and 325 together.

As demonstrated by last year's Jobs Initiative and the Action Plan for Jobs 2012, the Government recognises the vital contribution that tourism makes to employment.  The VAT reduction on a range of tourism services from 13.5% to 9% enhances the competitiveness of our tourism product and this lower rate of VAT will be maintained during 2013. In addition, the Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to a trip to the UK, and the halving of employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages will significantly reduce the cost of employing people.

To date the CSO Quarterly National Household Survey has been showing a positive trend. It shows that 6,300 more people were employed in accommodation and food services in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2011 (6,400 seasonally adjusted) and 10,600 more people compared to the first quarter in 2011 (10,500 seasonally adjusted).

The focus is now moving to 2013 when we will host the Gathering Ireland 2013. We want to make this the biggest tourism event ever held in Ireland, and ensure that jobs are created right across Ireland to the benefit of local economies everywhere.

With regard to the specific elements of developing cultural tourism, this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply.  Please contact my private office if a reply is not received within ten working days.