Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent, if any, to which particular emphasis is being placed on business tourism/international conferences in Ireland, with a view to maximising employment in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37254/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy and the tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, deal with the implementation of this policy.

Supporting and promoting international business tourism is an operational matter for both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland through the “Meet in Ireland” business tourism brand for the island of Ireland ( ). I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland and asked them to reply directly to the Deputy with further information on this matter. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

At a policy level, in 2023, my Department established a Business Tourism Strategy Group to prepare an agreed strategy and oversee the development of co-ordination structures for the delivery by the tourism agencies on their respective roles and responsibilities in relation to Business Tourism. I recently received from this group a Business Events Strategy which I am considering at present and which I intend to bring to the attention of Government in due course. I believe that this Strategy can support and integrate with wider government policies, develop Ireland’s international reputation as an attractive business events destination, and serve as a catalyst for delivering significant economic, social and environmental benefits.