Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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32. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that the tourism industry benefits adequately from the economic upturn; the extent to which he can encourage increased activity and employment in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36740/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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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.

The buoyancy in the sector is also being reflected in employment numbers. By the end of last year, it was estimated by the CSO that 137,000 people were employed in the accommodation and food service sectors alone. This represented an increase of almost 14% or 17,300 extra jobs since 2012.  Fáilte Ireland estimates that total tourism employment is approximately 200,000 and could grow by 6,000 - 8,000 this year based on current trends.

In terms of measures to generate further growth in the sector, an extensive promotional programme is continuing with a view to further growing visitor numbers to Ireland. The year to date has been very encouraging and overall sentiment for travel to Ireland is largely positive. Tourism Ireland is currently finalising its marketing plans for 2015 which I am scheduled to launch on 1st December.

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.