Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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269. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on plans to develop long-term, sustainable, well-paid careers in the tourism industry. [33544/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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My Department and the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, continue to support the tourism industry to build the talent and skills it needs to remain profitable, competitive and resilient.

A key priority, in this regard, is to support tourism businesses to adopt quality employment practices, to ensure that the sector is recognised as a desirable and rewarding career choice, and that individuals working in it can continue to develop their own expertise, knowledge and skills, to build a long-term and successful career.

Fáilte Ireland plays a pivotal role in supporting tourism jobs across the country through a multifaceted approach that includes training, funding, regional development, and inclusive employment initiatives.

Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Careers team supports and promotes employment and career progression in the industry, by continuously developing and broadening the 'Employer Excellence' programme; the online learning management system 'LearniFI'; the tourismcareers.ie website; and the Transition Year Work Placement programme, that connects students with industry placements. The Employer Excellence programme, for instance, is now open to all tourism businesses with five or more employees, and the LearniFI platform has facilitated the upskilling of approximately 6,500 employees in key areas critical for business success.

Fáilte Ireland promotes inclusivity in the tourism workforce, by supporting businesses in enhancing accessibility and inclusive recruitment practices. The agency collaborates with organizations to provide training and resources, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, have work opportunities in the tourism sector.

Work, led by my department, is also continuing with industry and across Government to ensure a coordinated approach to addressing labour and skills shortages. This includes engagement by my officials, with the Department of Social Protection, to target jobseekers locally and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science that plays a key role in supporting tourism careers, through various initiatives aimed at education, skills development, and industry collaboration.

My department also collaborates with various industry bodies, including the Irish Hotels Federation, and Education and Training Boards, to address labour supply and skills requirements in the tourism sector. I have met with both the Irish Hotels Federation and the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and had meaningful and positive engagement on all matters, including employment in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Through this comprehensive strategy, my Department and agencies are supporting the growth of tourism and ensuring the creation and sustainability of employment opportunities within the sector.

Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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270. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on plans to support and expand the food and beverage tourism offerings, showcasing the best of local produce. [33545/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government provides that the Government will support and expand our food and beverage tourism offerings, showcasing the best of local produce.

Fáilte Ireland continues to focus on the development and enhancement of the food and beverage experience for the wider domestic and international visitor audience, and it will continue to be a key component of Fáilte Ireland’s Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDP). Fáilte Ireland will also continue to work with Irish based inbound agents to make them familiar with food and beverage experiences emerging from the DEDP programme.

Fáilte Ireland’s key activities deliver a robust programme of development for food & beverage businesses in tourism, some examples of these include the DEDP for Cork City, Harbour, and East Cork which was launched by Failte Ireland in November 2024 and seeks to highlight Cork as a world-class gastronomy destination. The plan aims to build on Cork’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food scene to attract both domestic and international visitors. The Ancient DEDP has identified Irish Food Stories – 5,000 years of Food as one of its catalyst projects. The Ancient DEDP comprises counties Meath and Louth and each Local Authority collaborates closely with the Irish Ancient East brand team to develop all aspects of the food story. These are some examples of food and beverage initiatives taking place right across the country.

In relation to longer term policy, the Tourism Policy Framework 2025 – 2030 was published by the previous Government last November. I have asked my 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 and other Government priorities. This new Policy Statement will also consider how food and beverage can play an enhanced role in Ireland’s overall tourism offering.