Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

264. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of funding allocated to counties Meath and Westmeath for tourism and hospitality skills training by his Department in 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6279/17]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

​The Department of Education and Skills has overall lead responsibility for skills development policy generally across all sectors, including hospitality and tourism, and oversees the bulk of training provided nationally, channeling funding through its agency SOLAS for further education and through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for higher education.

A limited number of complementary tourism-related business development and training supports are provided by Fáilte Ireland, in line with its responsibility for encouraging, promoting and supporting tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.  As this is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question on to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply in regard to the specific funding information sought.  Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.