Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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631. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the research collected by Fáilte Ireland, in particular on visitor numbers to individual areas, counties and regions, is not being reported back to the industry in a timely enough manner to enable businesses or local tourism promotion bodies to respond to these patterns on the ground (details supplied); and if he will request Fáilte Ireland to publish draft figures on regional tourism performance at an earlier date in the year. [22064/17]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The collection of official statistics is primarily a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO).  However, as the Deputy is aware, Fáilte Ireland conducts additional research and analysis and provides complementary insights, which it shares with tourism industry groups and businesses.  The timeliness of tourism statistical reports and their publication dates are largely determined by the availability of source data.  With specific regard to Fáilte Ireland's estimate of the regional breakdown of tourists across Ireland, I am informed that the agency receives the necessary raw data from several different sources - data which becomes available with varying time lags - and then requires further time to analyse this data.  However, I understand that other Fáilte Ireland statistical reports - particularly those not reliant on data from external sources - can be published with a shorter lag.  For example, Fáilte Ireland publishes the results of its Tourism Barometer, which reports on business sentiment of tourism enterprises throughout Ireland, three to four times a year with minimal delay. Overall, I am satisfied that Fáilte Ireland publishes the results of its research in a timely fashion, once all the necessary data checks have been completed.  I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further explanatory detail and direct reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.