Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 1997

Vol. 475 No. 8

Written Answers. - Tourism Job Employment.

John Browne

Question:

63 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to increase the number of full time jobs in tourism services and attractions, in which only 29 per cent of positions are currently year round. [6045/97]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

The recently published CERT employment survey of the tourist industry in Ireland, 1996, covered a number of sectors within tourism, including tourism services and attractions as mentioned by the Deputy. This sector comprises tourist and cultural attractions, tourism services and leisure and sporting activities.

According to this extensive survey there are an estimated 25,161 people employed in tourism services and attractions, up 28 per cent on 1992 levels. Of the total employed, 66 per cent are permanent and not 29 per cent as suggested by the Deputy. A total of 29 per cent are seasonal and 5 per cent are occasional workers.

This sector is performing well in terms of the high level of permanent employment and skill requirements, reflecting both the priority which investment in this category of tourism product has been given in the current and previous operational programmes for tourism, and the rate of tourism growth which Ireland has been enjoying since the late 1980's.