Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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1605. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the growing unapproved bed and breakfast sector that exists here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30818/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2011, Fáilte Ireland has specific powers and functions in relation to the registration and grading of tourist accommodation.  Certain types of accommodation, such as hotels and guest houses are statutorily obliged to register, whereas other accommodation segments, such as B&Bs are not.  In addition to statutory regulation, Fáilte Ireland also offers a quality assurance approval and listing system for other segments.  This is voluntary and includes, among others, smaller self-catering schemes, Irish home B&Bs and historic houses with accommodation. Although Northern Ireland operates a system of mandatory registration for B&Bs, research and international benchmarking has established that the registration of B&Bs is not standard practice internationally.  Countries that are recognised for having a quality B&B product, such as England, Scotland, Wales, France and New Zealand, do not require mandatory registration.  For small, seasonal businesses in particular, the potential administrative burden and associated costs of mandatory registration could adversely impact on their viability.

As set out in the Government's recent Tourism Policy Statement, "People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025", it is timely to examine whether the rationale for the statutory regulatory framework still exists.  The current Irish system of registration and classification may be too restrictive in that it may act as a barrier to innovation in the tourism sector. 

The regulatory framework for any business sector is typically subject to ongoing evaluation, amendment, retrenchment or expansion.  For the tourism industry, what is required is an overall regulatory framework that ensures the safety of visitors and employees, while providing a statutory foundation for private enterprise that is stable and equitable, and encourages the tourism industry to grow and innovate in order to meet the future needs of its customers. Fáilte Ireland will undertake regular reviews of the regulatory framework for the tourism sector to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.  The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will support measures across Government that reduce or streamline administrative processes associated with regulatory compliance.