David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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27. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to further develop and support cruise liner traffic to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36794/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The promotion and development of cruise tourism are primarily matters for the boards and managements of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland as well as individual ports themselves.

That said I know that the cruise ship tourism sector is growing worldwide and international demand for the product remains strong. Irish ports continue to capitalise on the global rise in cruise tourism and a number of ports are enjoying a steady increase in the number of cruise vessels calling at their facilities in recent years. I am aware that Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are in contact with Cruise Ireland, which is the island of Ireland umbrella marketing body that promotes the island of Ireland as a premier cruise destination, to assist them in growing their share of the market.

I will ask the tourism agencies to set out in detail for the Deputy the steps they are taking to support cruise tourism.

Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.