Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 December 2012
362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the tourism sector is projected to develop and expand in 2013; the degree to which any such expansion is likely to impact on the economy as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57656/12]
View answer370. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total number of persons employed directly and or indirectly in the tourism sector; the potential for improvement in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57664/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 370 together.
The Government recognises the key role that the tourism industry will play in our economic recovery and has put in place a range of programmes and measures to support tourism, enhance competitiveness and further grow the sector next year and beyond. Key commitments in the 2011 Programme for Government were reflected in the Government's Jobs Initiative, with further actions set out in the 2012 Action Plan for Jobs. The Government has already delivered on measures such as reducing VAT to 9% on a range of tourism services and halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages. These measures will continue in 2013.
In terms of our main tourism priority, the Gathering Ireland 2013 will be the biggest tourism led initiative ever held in Ireland. The event aims to attract an extra 325,000 overseas visitors to Ireland with associated spending of over €150 million. Significant resources are in place to ensure that 'The Gathering' will be successful in delivering these targets. A special allocation of €5 million was provided in 2012 and a further specific allocation of €7 million has been provided for 2013. The overall provision for tourism services in 2013 is approximately €140 million across a diverse range of activities.
In seeking to grow overseas visits to Ireland, our objective is ultimately to generate jobs. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) does not measure tourism employment as such, but does measure "Accommodation and Food Service" employment, a category that includes hotels, restaurants, bars and catering. According to the most recent figures from the CSO, employment in the accommodation and food sector accounted for 123,100 jobs in the third quarter of 2012.
Drawing on an alternative approach, Fáilte Ireland’s estimate of all direct jobs in tourism and hospitality businesses in 2012 (full-time, part-time, seasonal/casual and not confined to "main job") indicate total employment across sectors, including tourism services and attractions as well as accommodation and food, of around 185,000.
Using The Gathering Ireland 2013 as our centrepiece for 2013 and through continued collaboration between Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Irish tourist industry, I am confident that we can further grow business for the tourism sector next year with consequential growth in employment.
