Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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233. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place to ensure that short-term hosting and lodging tourist accommodation being advertised via online exchanges (details supplied) are compliant with public health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9553/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2011, certain types of accommodation using protected titles, such as hotels and guesthouses, are statutorily obliged to register and comply with approved regulations.  These regulations mainly relate to the quality of the product and level of service.  In addition to this system of registration, Fáilte Ireland also offers a voluntary quality assurance approval and listing system for other forms of tourist accommodation.  Unlisted providers are not marketed and promoted by the tourism agencies nor can they access the various training and business skills initiatives available to the listed sector.  

With regard to health and safety standards, regardless of whether or not they are registered or listed with Fáilte Ireland, accommodation providers must comply with the relevant statutory requirements, as enforced by a range of bodies including local authorities and the Health Service Executive.  I have no role in this regard.  Neither my Department nor the tourism agencies is responsible for legislating for, regulating or enforcing compliance with public health and safety standards.

Further specific queries should be addressed to my colleagues the Ministers for Health and for the Environment, Community and Local Government.