Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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56. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the hospitality measures that are in place for the tourism industry for 2023 given the fact that many hotels are being used as temporary accommodation for Ukrainian citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56951/22]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No 1 today.

Ireland is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine and we are honouring our commitment to help people that have been displaced by this horrendous war. Over 63, 000 people that have been forced to leave their homes in Ukraine have sought refuge in Ireland and approximately 45,000 of these people are being provided with accommodation from the State. However, this war is causing ongoing challenges such as rising energy prices, scarcity of energy supply and supply chain issues including accommodation.

This is by some distance the largest humanitarian operation undertaken by the Irish State and tourism accommodation has played a vital part in this national response.

However, I recognise the growing concern among the wider tourism industry about how the amount of tourism bed stock taken out of the system for humanitarian reasons is likely to have a real impact on tourism’s recovery in 2023 and beyond. In addition, hotel accommodation is not an ideal medium-to- longer term solution for the accommodation needs of families and this is why the Government is exploring a wide range of alternative options including the rolling out a rapid build housing programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine.

My officials have communicated these concerns to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth which is working urgently across Government and with agencies, NGOs and local authorities to bring new accommodation on board so that the State’s humanitarian responsibilities can be met. In addition, my Department is also participating in the senior officials group that is focusing on meeting the current humanitarian accommodation and other needs.

While 2022 has seen a strong recovery in tourism activity there are significant headwinds facing the sector in 2023 which is why I am continuing to direct very significant resources to support the sustainable recovery of the sector. In Budget 2023, I secured an additional €15 million for overseas marketing of Ireland. The Budget also contains an additional €15 million for a range of industry initiatives including €3 million for a continuation of the investment in skills development and retention which is critical as there are significant employment challenges faced by tourism businesses in attracting talent, assisting skills development and retaining staff. Additionally, a €2 million increase in funding for domestic marketing will continue to promote Ireland’s tourism offering to Irish holidaymakers.

I have also secured €3 million to allow Fáilte Ireland to continue its work in the area of sustainability. Other allocations include €36.5 million in capital funding for tourism product development for the continued delivery of enhanced visitor experiences in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.

Finally, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme administered by the Revenue Commissioners will provide support in this winter period to accommodation providers and hotels that have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs..