Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

James McDaid

Question:

22 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will liaise with the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that the economic officers of our embassies will include tourism-related matters as part of their responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9237/97]

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

My Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs liaise closely and on an ongoing basis on matters relating to the representation of Ireland's economic interests overseas, particularly tourism and trade matters.

Both Departments are also represented on the foreign earnings committee, which I chair, and on which there are representatives of other relevant Government Departments and State promotional agencies, including Bord Fáilte. The committee's terms of reference are to help maximise foreign earnings (i) by focusing the State's overseas promotional activities on potential areas for increases in trade, tourism and investment and (ii) by co-ordinating and enhancing the effectiveness of Ireland's collective promotional efforts abroad.

The committee has successfully encouraged the establishment of local foreign earnings co-ordination committees — comprising the market-based representatives of the agencies, including Bord Fáilte, and chaired by the Irish Ambassador — in our nine main external markets. The purpose of these committees are to ensure maximum co-ordination at local embassy level with the State promotional agencies, including the tourism agency.

The system of half-yearly reports from these co-ordinating committees make a significant contribution in highlighting the potential for joint actions by Departments and agencies and co-ordinated pursuit of particular tourism and trade objectives. Last years's White Paper on foreign policy, Challenges and Opportunities abroad, reiterates the responsibility of all heads of missions in our embassies to promote Ireland's economic interests, including tourism.