Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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1283. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role and priorities of Failte Ireland regarding the development of skill sets in the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46857/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The role of Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, is set out in Section 8 of the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003 which provides that a general function of the Authority shall be to encourage, promote and support the recruitment, training, and education and development of persons for the purposes of employment in connection with the tourism industry in the State as well as support tourism enterprises. In doing so, it is of course important to have regard to the roles and functions of other statutory bodies in the training area to avoid duplication and ensure the best use of public funds.  

In relation to the operational priorities of the Agency in this regard, I have referred this aspect of the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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1284. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role and priorities of Tourism Ireland for Cork City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46858/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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 Tourism Ireland is the agency responsible for promoting the entire island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. It also provides overseas support for the work of Fáilte Ireland in relation to regional, product and niche tourism.  While the agency does not have a role for the specific promotion of Cork or any other area, I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply in terms of how Cork City features in its marketing activities and programmes. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.