Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2011, Fáilte Ireland has specific powers and functions regarding the registration and grading of tourist accommodation.  In accordance with the legislation, certain categories of accommodation, such as hotels and guesthouses, are obliged to register, whereas other accommodation segments, such as B&Bs or small self-catering schemes, are not.  Furthermore, this legislation gives Fáilte Ireland the power, with the consent of the Minister, to make regulations prescribing certain tourist related matters, including eligibility criteria for registration under various accommodation categories.

In addition to the statutory regulations, Fáilte Ireland also offers voluntary quality assurance approval and listing systems for the non-statutory tourist accommodation segment, including Irish home B&Bs, historic houses with accommodation and other atypical tourist accommodation businesses who could seek approval under the Welcome Standard.  With specific regard to the company the Deputy mentions, it is a sales and marketing platform for a variety of accommodation types, including B&Bs and self-catering.  Such accommodation providers, regardless of whether or not they use the sales and marketing platform mentioned, may apply for Fáilte Ireland approval.

In today's market, offering a wide variety of tourist accommodation helps ensure that various consumer preferences can be catered for and enhances supply in areas or at periods of high demand. In this regard, Fáilte Ireland engages with any accommodation providers and intermediary platforms whose offering aligns with the strategic objectives for the development of Irish tourism.