In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, my Department has made considerable progress in relation to developing the potential of language based and countryside recreation based tourism and services.
In relation to the new Rural Development Programme, which I launched in May 2008, a total of €45.4m is being made available for this purpose under the ‘Encouragement of Tourism Activities' measure of that programme. The objective of this measure is to promote the sustainable tourism potential of all rural areas through the provision of the necessary infrastructure and the development of the countryside as a recreational resource for all.
In relation to Údarás na Gaeltachta, I can confirm that strong working partnerships exist between Údarás and Fáilte Ireland, particularly through their regional offices and other tourism organisations, to optimise the opportunities provided by the tourism industry for the Gaeltacht. It may be noted that in 2007 employment figures in the Gaeltacht-based tourism sector (language, cultural & service based activities) increased by 25% over the 2006 level.