Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
690 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the reduced price travel scheme announced in budget 2010 will apply to the over-55 years or over-65 years; if the scheme is for the over-55 years, will it apply to Irish nationals over 55 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48608/09]
View answerIn his Financial Statement on Budget 2010 last month, my colleague Mr Brian Lenihan TD,Minister for Finance, stated that Iarnród Éireann have agreed to participate in a new scheme, to be developed by Fáilte Ireland, aimed at senior citizens visiting Ireland from abroad.
As previously indicated, the scheme is to be developed by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority. I am advised by Fáilte Ireland that it has had initial discussions with Iarnród Éireann, that work is currently underway to finalise the details of this scheme and that arrangements are expected to be finalised in time for the start of the peak tourism season.
More information on this initiative will be given by Fáilte Ireland and Iarnród Éireann when the details have been finalised. This imaginative initiative should boost visitor numbers in the older age cohorts, which remains a strong market segment for Irish tourism.
