Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to support the further development of the tourism industry and in particular eco-tourism in the Midlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37400/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Last month, I received the recommendations of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce for the survival, stabilisation and recovery of the tourism industry.  In the coming weeks I will establish a Recovery Oversight Group to assist in the implementation of these recommendations, which will help guide the future development of the sector.  Central to this will be sustainability, particularly around schemes and supports which promote the concept of and business case for sustainable tourism both at the enterprise level and the consumer level. These are issues which I will keep on the agenda with the tourism agencies as I seek to develop a sustainable tourism policy, as set out in the Programme for Government. 

The development of regional tourism industry is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.