Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1584. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the impact on traditional bed and breakfasts of the use of purpose-built student accommodation for short-term lettings while the third-level institutions are not in session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35466/19]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, while the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy. Fáilte Ireland has operational responsibility in regard to regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion. They also have responsibility for the regulation of certain types of tourist accommodation.

Fáilte Ireland has not conducted any research into the impact on B&B's of short-term letting of student accommodation while third level institutions are not in session.

In recent years, the lack of hotel capacity in certain areas has been an issue for Irish tourism. In today's market, offering a wide variety of tourist accommodation which increases capacity for tourists is important for the Irish Tourism Industry. Additional accommodation types enhances supply, which is particularly important in areas of high demand during peak periods. This also helps ensure that new and emerging consumer needs and preferences can be catered for, by providing alternative types of accommodation which is popular with tourists.