Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he hopes to encourage an increase in the number of visitors to this country over the next five years with particular reference to the targeting of specific overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37375/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas in the tourism sector that have shown the greatest potential for future development and expansion, both internally and externally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37376/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.

Responsibility for marketing the island of Ireland as a visitor destination in overseas markets is a day-to-day matter for Tourism Ireland, a cross-border body established under the Good Friday Agreement.

The current Tourism Ireland Corporate Plan 2014-2016 links resource allocation to promotional revenue potential from both geographic markets and consumer segments, based on a thorough assessment of potential return on investment.

As the Deputy will be aware, our recent tourism performance has been impressive. The most recent CSO figures for overseas visits to Ireland show that visitor numbers grew by 9.4% in the period from January to August 2014 when compared to the corresponding period of 2013. 2014 looks set to be the fourth consecutive year of growth in overseas visit numbers and the total number of international visitors coming to Ireland is likely to exceed 7 million this year.

In view of the ongoing work of the tourism agencies, increased air access to Ireland and other measures already introduced by this Government such as the 9% VAT rate for tourism services, the reduction of the air travel tax to zero and the joint visa initiative between Ireland and the United Kingdom, I am confident that the prospects for Irish tourism remain positive.

With regard to longer term priorities, I am currently completing a review of tourism policy, which is intended to set out the overall direction for tourism up to 2025.  A draft of the new Tourism Policy Statement was published by my predecessor in July.  I expect to publish the finalised Tourism Policy Statement in the coming weeks.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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208. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which business tourism may be expanded here with particular reference to the potential use of this country as a unique location for business conferences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37377/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism relates primarily to the area of national policy.

The promotion and development of individual tourism sectors is the responsibility of the tourism agencies. Failte Ireland is responsible for the development of the business tourism sector. Tourism Ireland is responsible for overseas marketing of Ireland as a destination for business tourism.

In relation to the expansion of the business tourism sector, it continues to grow and indeed it increased in size by 9% in 2013.  Fáilte Ireland estimates that business tourism, including conferencing, is now worth €579 million a year and supports 19,000 jobs.

I have asked the agencies to provide the Deputy with additional information. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.