Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
718. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the body under the aegis of his Department which oversees and has responsibility for hospitality and tourism skills development policy here; his views on the shortage of chefs and skilled hospitality staff; and the proposals his Department is considering to address this crisis. [4146/17]
View answer719. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the agency under the remit of his Department which has oversight and responsibility for hospitality and tourism skills development policy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4214/17]
View answer732. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role which his Department plays in the development of tourism and hospitality skills and training policy; the extent to which co-operation exists with other Departments, agencies, bodies and other stakeholders in policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4478/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 718, 719 and 732 together.
The Department of Education and Skills has overall lead responsibility for skills development policy across all sectors, including hospitality and tourism. Their work to strengthen the capacity of people working in the tourism sector complements Fáilte Ireland's efforts to encourage, promote and support tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
It is critically important to ensure that there is an adequate supply of skilled staff in the tourism sector, including key roles such as chefs, food service, accommodation services, and tour guides. In line with my Department's Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018, which is overseen by the Tourism Leadership Group, Fáilte Ireland is committed to working with the tourism industry and the wider education and training sector to implement recommendations contained in the report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) in the hospitality sector. In this regard, Fáilte Ireland participates in the Hospitality Skills Oversight Group, which is the national oversight and advisory group established to oversee skills development and promotion in the tourism sector, including monitoring the implementation of the EGFSN recommendations.
This collaborative approach, involving key industry stakeholders, education and training providers and relevant Government departments and agencies, is the most effective way to tackle the current challenges and to support the sustainable development of the Irish tourism industry.
