Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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647. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of tourists to Ireland and their destinations of choice in 2016 and to date in 2017; if he has satisfied himself that all of Ireland is receiving a fair share in promotion with particular emphasis on rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5855/17]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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​While matters relating to Central Statistics Office (CSO) statistics are primarily for the Department of the Taoiseach, there were 9,584,400 overseas visits to Ireland during 2016, up 10.9% compared to 2015. I understand that the CSO does not provide a regional breakdown of statistics in their monthly 'Overseas Travel' publication. I am aware however, that the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, provides an estimated regional breakdown of overseas visits on an annual basis, based on research of its own as well as available CSO statistics. The most recent full year figures are for 2015 which are included in the 'Research' (Tourism Facts and Figures) section which is published on the website.

My role, as the Minister with responsibility for tourism, is to develop national tourism policy which is then implemented by the tourism agencies - Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Fáilte Ireland is responsible for the development of regional tourism and Tourism Ireland has responsibility for the overseas promotion of the island of Ireland as a tourism destination.

On the subject of whether all of Ireland is receiving a fair share in promotion with particular emphasis on rural Ireland, this is a matter for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the question to both agencies for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.