Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

Finian McGrath

Question:

774 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will investigate and develop strategies to increase tourist numbers here by targeting the 37 million people with disabilities in Europe and follow up on the international goodwill created by the Special Olympics. [20240/03]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Recognising the growing importance of fully serving the national and international market represented by people with special needs, Fáilte Ireland has introduced a new voluntary scheme for the validation of all listed and registered accommodation that provides for the needs of people with disabilities.

Proprietors of all approved properties have been notified of the new scheme. A copy of the guidelines and assessment form for the new scheme were posted to all premises displaying the wheelchair symbol in the 2003 accommodation guides and proprietors were invited to have their premises validated and promoted through the new scheme by completing the assessment form and returning same to Fáilte Ireland. No fee is required to enter the scheme.

The validated accessible scheme, VAS, will enable people with disabilities to make an informed choice when booking accommodation. This information is now available, commencing 2003, on key national tourism websites and will be in the various accommodation guides from 2004.

Initially the new scheme applies to premises with accommodation suitable for guests with mobility impairment. The scheme will then be expanded to encompass premises with accommodation suitable for guests with hearing and sight impairments.

Fáilte Ireland will incorporate these initiatives into its marketing plans for 2004 and beyond and will work closely with Tourism Ireland to ensure that the availability of facilities for the disabled is fully part of the destination message in all source markets.