Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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116. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to address the 15% reduction in the number of overseas visitors over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22673/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises the central importance of the tourism sector to Ireland's economy and communities and tourism is now the policy responsibility of my colleague, Peter Burke TD. Following the making of a Government Order on Tuesday, statutory responsibility for the sector will transfer to Minister Burke from 1 June.

Figures published on 29 April by the CSO show a 15% reduction in the number of overseas visitors in March 2025 compared to the corresponding month in 2024 with a first quarter reduction of 23%. However it's important to note remember that the first quarter is amongst the quietest periods for overseas visitors. When comparing March 2025 to March 2023, visitor numbers are in fact up 4% while associated revenue is also slightly up (+1%).

While the figures at face value are disappointing, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic as we enter the peak tourism season. Sentiment from the tourism sector itself is positive, with research showing that 39% of businesses anticipate an increase in visitor levels this year, while 47% expect growth in overseas visitors.

The tourism agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, have several initiatives to ensure the tourism industry continues to grow, supported by over €246 million in Government funding.

Next month, Tourism Ireland will launch a new slow tourism campaign in overseas markets focused on helping people get around the regions and explore the island. It will continue to showcase compelling reasons to visit Ireland, anchored in data as to what is most compelling for today’s vis. This is part of Tourism Ireland's work at ensuring that the island of Ireland can compete as a ‘must-visit’ destination.

The tourism agencies will also be working to maximise the tourism potential of sporting events such as the hosting of the Open at Royal Portrush in July, the American College Football Classic in the Aviva Stadium in August and the NFL game in Croke Park later in the autumn. All these events will provide a real boost in the short term but equally important is the exposure of Ireland provided to those planning a holiday.

Fáilte Ireland continues to build the appeal of destinations across Ireland by supporting the ongoing development and delivery of exceptional visitor experiences and attractions across the country, with a range of projects set to be completed nationwide in 2025.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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117. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on his Department’s engagement with members of the tourism industry in relation to data compiled by the CSO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22873/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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While tourism is now the policy responsibility of my colleague, Peter Burke TD, to whom statutory responsibility for the sector will transfer by Government Order in the coming period, this Government recognises the central importance of the tourism sector to Ireland's economy and communities.

Figures published last week by the CSO show a 15% reduction in the number of overseas visitors in March 2025 compared to the corresponding month in 2024. The figures for the first three months of the year show a 23% reduction. It’s important to note that last year, 21% of our total visitors arrived in the first three months. Furthermore, 2024 represented a strong year for Irish tourism, where overseas visitors spent over €6 billion, an increase of 11% compared with 2023. Comparing March 2025 to March 2023, visitor numbers are in fact up 4% while associated revenue is up 1%.

Minister Peter Burke and Department officials continue to engage with the tourism sector. In relation to the 2025 CSO data, a number of meetings have taken place between officials, the tourism agencies, representatives from the tourism industry and the CSO. The last meeting took place on 29 April, and I understand that further meetings are planned for the coming weeks.

Regarding our tourism performance, while the 2025 figures may seem disappointing, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic as we enter peak tourism season and I understand that sentiment from the tourism sector itself is positive, with research showing that 39% of businesses anticipate an increase in visitor levels this year, while 47% expect growth in overseas visitors.

Both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland have several initiatives to ensure the tourism industry returns to growth. This is being supported by over €246 million in Government funding.

In relation to overseas visitors, Tourism Ireland, is focused on driving demand through its extensive global marketing campaigns for the rest of the year. The agency will continue to take an agile approach in the development of strategic partnership activity to maximise opportunities for growth in new and developing overseas markets.

It is also very welcome that the Dublin Airport cap is on hold for the summer months and the airport will have increased air seat capacity available this summer from key source markets like the United States and Canada. Tourism Ireland has strong marketing plans in place to ensure that we benefit from this increased capacity.

We also have major sporting events that will bring significant visitors to the island in the months ahead. The hosting of The Open at Royal Portrush in July will provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase our golf offering with many visitors travelling throughout the island. We also have the American College Football Classic in the Aviva Stadium in August and the NFL game in Croke Park later in the Autumn.

In terms of the domestic market, Fáilte Ireland is continuing its investment in destination development, capital projects, marketing, and festivals across the country. This investment will drive visitors directly to destinations and businesses this year.

In relation to policy generally, the Tourism Policy Framework 2025 – 2030 was published by the previous Government last November. I understand that Minister Burke has asked officials to consider how commitments in the Programme for Government align with the Policy Framework and to prioritise the finalisation of a new Tourism Policy which reflects the Programme for Government and other Government priorities.