Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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17. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase conference tourism awareness of Ireland during the G8 Summit in June 2013 at the Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22979/13]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department’s role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy.  It is not directly involved in the marketing of Ireland as a visitor destination, or in providing support to specific tourism sectors.  These matters are the responsibility of the State tourism agencies.

The hosting of the G8 Summit in Fermanagh will have a positive effect on the island of Ireland as a whole in terms of raising the profile of the island of Ireland, in particular as a destination for hosting high level events and conferences. This has the potential to help boost visitor numbers to the island of Ireland and so help support the tourism industry in 2013 and beyond.

I am informed that Tourism Ireland is already engaged in a marketing programme to capitalise on the event.  For its part, Fáilte Ireland is working closely with the local industry in the Border counties to maximise the opportunities presented by the event.

It is anticipated that the summit may also bring more immediate benefits for the North West and Border Counties as many of the overseas media and officials accompanying the G8 participants will be accommodated in the border region as well as in Northern Ireland.