Commemorative Events

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 March 2014

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Questions (287)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

287. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the strategy he has in place to increase the visibility and awareness of the decade of centenaries events, in particular the centenary commemoration of the 1916 Rising in the tourism strategy of his Department and of Fáilte Ireland; if he intends to deliver a Gathering-type approach, although on a larger-scale, to the events in 2016 being organised by the State. [12545/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The development of the national commemorative programme is being co-ordinated by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The development of a programme to promote the tourist aspects of the Decade of Centenaries is a matter for the tourism agencies. However, while it is important to have a programme of events for the decade of commemorations, there is little evidence that there is widespread interest in them by overseas tourists and I have no direct role in this matter. These are decisions for the Boards and management of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.