Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2013
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to have discussions on a regular basis with the various stakeholders in the tourism sector with particular reference to the need to identify problems and or opportunities for the industry in advance with a view to enhanced development in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47600/13]
View answerI am in regular contact with the stakeholders in the tourism sector, both individually and through the various representative bodies, and I am kept advised of issues of concern to the industry directly, through my Department and through the tourism agencies.
For example, the Tourism Policy Review was formally launched by Minister Ring and me on the 11th September in Dublin Castle. Over 90 individuals from representative bodies, key stakeholders and academia attended the event which marked the publication of a consultation document, raising a series of questions regarding policy priorities for Irish tourism and inviting everybody with an interest in Irish tourism to respond. The responses to this consultation exercise will then feed into the final policy review and statement. The document has been circulated widely to tourism stakeholders and all Government Departments and is available to download on my Department’s website ( www.dttas.ie ). The closing date for submissions has been extended to 22nd November 2013 and to date some 100 have been received.
The consultation process is also being progressed by means of a series of workshops which are ongoing. This will allow consideration of the views raised and other relevant evidence and analysis before commencing drafting of the new policy in the New Year with a view to finalising it by Easter 2014.
