Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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138. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a tourism initiative similar to The Gathering is not being developed around the centenary of the 1916 Rising; his plans to commemorate the Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4350/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The development of the national commemorative programme in 2016 is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.  This programme is being developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, including my Department.    In regard to a specific tourism initiative, I will examine the prospective appeal of the programme of events to overseas visitors but I am acutely aware of the commemorative, solemn and respectful nature of many of these events.  I believe that it is fundamental to ensure that is not compromised.  Accordingly, when the programme is finalised, the tourism agencies will integrate information about appropriate events  into their promotion activities so that visitors to Ireland are well informed of the opportunities to experience these events, without prejudicing these sensitive matters.  

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.