Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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584. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he has in mind provisions to avert the negative aspects of Brexit on the tourism industry here with particular reference to the need to ensure the maximisation under the circumstances of tourism from the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42421/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Since the UK voted to leave the EU, my department has been fully engaged in evaluating the ensuing risks for tourism and, together with the tourism agencies, working to address those risks. The department's analysis of the situation was greatly assisted by the All-Island sectorial meeting I hosted with the industry in January which examined the impact of Brexit on the tourism and hospitality sector. From a departmental perspective, we will continue our work across Government to ensure that our concerns are high on the agenda. For tourism, the priorities include maintaining a liberalised aviation regime, preserving the common travel area, avoiding a hard border and retaining British-Irish visa agreements for third countries.

The tourism agencies are engaged in the operational response to Brexit including the decline in numbers visiting from Great Britain. I have referred the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland for direct reply on details of the actions being taken by them. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.