Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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163. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on making 2016 a year of the home gathering, a nationwide year of Irish persons holidaying at home and going someplace here that they have never been before, with communities involved in the hosting of special events to mark a home gathering; his views on whether keeping even an additional 10% of Irish holidaymakers here rather than holidaying abroad would have a significant impact on the tourism sector and wider economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4295/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Tourism is a key driver of social and economic development at both national and regional levels in Ireland.  While any increase in domestic tourism would be beneficial for the sector and the wider economy, it should be noted that number of domestic tourism trips has held up well since 2010 and not declined by as much as the number of overseas trips taken by Irish residents.  

The new Tourism Policy Statement, which is due to be published shortly, includes a policy objective to examine how The Gathering or other similar project might be repeated in the future without diluting its impact and to develop the tourism opportunities arising from themed years in other areas of Government.  Specific initiatives to boost tourism, both overseas and domestic, can be considered in that context.  However, any decision on how best to focus supports will be based on overall tourism prospects and development opportunities, underscored by the need to maximise returns on limited resources.

With specific regard to the question of a Home Gathering, there are no plans for such an initiative in 2016.  However, I can assure the Deputy that, as in recent years, Fáilte Ireland will continue to run home holidays marketing campaigns to encourage home holidays and support an extensive programme of festivals and events across the country to drive growth in the domestic market.