Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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220. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he envisages potential for operators to begin offering round-Ireland cruise holidays, stopping at major ports around Ireland over seven days; if the viability of the idea will pursued by Fáilte Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7583/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The promotion and development of cruise tourism are primarily matters for the boards and management 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. Despite the recent recession, continued growth in cruise tourism has lead operators to invest in capacity expansion and to continually seek new destinations to satisfy guests' experiences. Operators believe Ireland is well positioned geographically for inclusion in a number of Transatlantic, Northern European and British Isles itineraries.

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.