asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has received the results of the research project on the potential for tourism growth undertaken by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation; the initiatives, if any, the Government will take arising out of this research; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Research Project on Tourism Growth.
42.
I have received and read with interest the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation document entitled "Doubling Irish Tourism — A Market-Led Strategy" which is based upon the research project undertaken by the confederation at a cost of £481,000. The confederation formally released the research findings at the Bord Fáilte Tourism Forum which I opened last Tuesday at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. These findings and the policy proposals arising from them are being studied carefully by my Department.
I have already placed on the record of this House my appreciation to the confederation for this very worthwhile initiative. I would like to reiterate this and also inform the House that there was a very constructive debate on this document at the tourism forum. I fully endorse the main finding of the research on the need to strengthen our tourism product by sustained investment in it. This has been a central theme of our tourism policy since we took office and will continue to be. I can assure the Deputy that full account will be taken of the specific findings of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation research in developing Irish tourism policy over the coming years.