Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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574. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport about how anti-social behaviour impacts on the city's reputation, as evidenced by recent negative media articles in the foreign press; and if he has confidence in Fáilte Ireland, as it seems to be more interested in focusing time and money on how cobblestones impact on high-heeled shoes in an area where drugs are readily available and needles litter the laneways. [43179/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Overall responsibility for tackling anti-social behaviour rests with my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.  For my own part, I am of course concerned about anything impacting negatively on our tourists’ experience and liaise on an ongoing basis with my cabinet colleagues on such matters.

Thankfully, Ireland remains a very safe destination generally for holidaymakers and the rate of crime against tourists is relatively low.  Research has shown that the vast majority of our overseas visitors are happy to recommend Ireland as a holiday destination to others.

With specific regard to Dublin, in line with its regional tourism development functions, Fáilte Ireland is currently pursuing “Destination Dublin: A Collective Strategy for Tourism Growth to 2020".  This strategy was developed by the Grow Dublin Taskforce, representing all the key tourism stakeholders in Dublin.  I have asked the agency to provide the Deputy with any further relevant information relating to this tourism strategy and its promotion of Dublin as a tourism destination.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.