Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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319. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to engaging with the tourism sector here to identifying and offset the negative impact of Brexit and the triggering of Article 50 throughout Ireland and especially in regards to counties Sligo and Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16919/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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In common with the rest of Government there has been deep analysis of the challenges which all industries and commercial sectors, including the tourism industry, will face as a result of the outcome of the UK Referendum. There are several inter-departmental groups, each with a specific focus, preparing for Brexit and there has been significant engagement with industry and civic society. These engagements are informing the Government's analysis, research and preparations.

On 23 January Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan and I hosted an All-Island Dialogue on the impact of Brexit on the tourism and hospitality sector in Dundalk. The feedback from tourism industry participants at the event reaffirmed the Government's analysis in relation to the implications of Brexit for tourism and I am committed to an on-going dialogue with the tourism and hospitality industry as the Brexit negotiations proceed.

Overseas tourism marketing, regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion are operational matters for the boards and management of the tourism agencies. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.