Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the number of persons employed in the tourism sector has fluctuated in each of the past eight years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45642/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Central Statistics Office’s official count of direct employment in ‘Accommodation and food service activities’, a category which includes hotels, restaurants, bars, canteens and catering, was 139,800 in 2014 (7.3% of total employment). This estimate of employment is based on the CSO Household Survey and the jobs identified are defined as ‘the respondent’s main job’ and include both full-time and part-time.  

Fáilte Ireland estimate total employment in the tourism sector at approximately 205,000. This estimate includes an additional category of tourism services and attractions which is not covered by the CSO. I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for any further information on how this estimate has fluctuated in recent years.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.