Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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10. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the major issues that he will seek to address within his proposed new tourism policy; and the way members of the industry and the public will be able to engage with this review. [31025/13]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on the current review of the national tourism policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30947/13]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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56. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he intends to publish a consultation document on the review of tourism policy and to seek contributions from stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30951/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 37 and 56 together.

These questions relate to the development of a new tourism policy.

Commencing a review of tourism policy is one of my Departmental priorities for 2013.  The purpose of this review is to develop a new tourism policy that will provide the necessary direction and framework to support a competitive and sustainable tourism industry over the coming five to ten years.  This review will take account of the many factors that will impact on Irish tourism, including prospects for the national economy, expected developments in the international economy and anticipated trends in global tourism.

In order to ensure that the final tourism policy is robust and supports the competitiveness of the Irish tourist industry into the future, it is vital to secure the views of all relevant stakeholders.  Therefore, I intend to publish a consultation document in the coming weeks presenting the various issues arising and inviting comments from all interested stakeholders and consumers.  Furthermore, I also intend to engage in a round of consultations in the Autumn to facilitate active and meaningful engagement with the industry and other relevant stakeholders.  As I have mentioned previously, I believe that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, which covers tourism, can also play an important role in the consultation process and will be inviting them to consider the matter.  I would also welcome any contribution to the consultation process from the Deputies or their parties.

The submissions received in response to the consultation process will inform my final statement of tourism policy which, in turn, will provide a robust foundation for the subsequent development of a broader tourism strategy and action plan.