Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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15. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to further promote the cruise ship tourism sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31068/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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This question is about cruise ship tourism.

The cruise ship sector has seen significant growth in recent years and is a sector that has considerable potential to contribute to the growth of the overall tourism sector in Ireland.  In April 2013 the Irish Maritime Development Office published figures for 2012 which show a 14.5% increase in the number of large cruise vessel calls to the island of Ireland. Based on expected visits to Irish ports this summer, it is expected that there will be a further increase in cruise vessel calls in 2013.

The Government's Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland includes an action to investigate opportunities to increase Ireland's share of the cruise tourism market and develop Ireland as a turnaround destination, including supporting port companies in their plans to develop or expand cruise facilities using their own resources.

In line with this a number of port companies are developing proposals to facilitate greater volumes and provide better cruise related facilities within ports. All these developments have to be funded commercially by the port companies themselves as there is no scope for Exchequer financing under State Aid rules. 

It is important to recognise that the nature of the cruise industry is that is not a lucrative source of revenue for port companies and that it can be difficult for investments in this area to remunerate themselves from the charges the ports levy. However, such visits provide considerable benefit for the local and wider regional economy. Therefore in the context of the proposed development of larger scale cruise facilities, it is appropriate for each port company to consider whether they can fund these developments from their own resources on a commercial basis and if not, if those beneficiaries of cruise tourism, be they regional interests or the cruise operators, can contribute to development costs.

In relation to the further development of cruise tourism, the matters raised are of an operational nature and are for consideration by Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question 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.