Síle de Valera
Question:40 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will develop a research unit within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9242/97]
Written Answers. - Tourism and Trade Research Unit.
The Department of Tourism and Trade has the lead responsibility for the formulation of national policy on tourism and trade matters. To this end the Department's strategy and competitiveness unit undertakes policy research and analysis, in support of the tourism and trade divisions, on particular developments impacting, or likely to impact, on Ireland's tourism and trade performance. The unit, which reports directly to the Secretary of the Department, is also responsible for monitoring key national and international developments impacting on the strategic direction and competitiveness of the tourism and trade sectors.
Research of an operational nature, such as research into consumer attitudes, market performance and product opportunities, is a matter for the agencies under the aegis of my Department.