Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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268. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will set out his tourism and sporting priorities over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39088/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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My priorities for tourism and sport are published on the website of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and are as follows:

1. Increase in the Tourism Marketing Budget (A total increase of €1M for tourism was secured in Budget 2017).

2. Supporting Ireland's bid to host the Rugby World Cup 2023.

3. A public consultation on, and subsequent publication of, a National Sport Policy.

4. A new round of the Sports Capital Programme.

5. Continued progress on the National Sports Campus.

6. Development of the Lakelands tourism concept.

7. Continued implementation of the Tourism Action Plan.

In addition, since the UK referendum on EU membership, all Government departments, including my Department, have been considering the potential implications of the UK's exit from the EU. Following on from the All-Island civic dialogue held on 2 November my Department is continuing this consultation and is currently planning a sectoral dialogue with a theme of tourism and hospitality. Further details on the Government's response to the impact of Brexit on tourism are contained in my reply to PQ No. 264 today.