I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 19 together.
Before I reply to these questions, I wish to acknowledge the devastation in Cork due to the floods. We have opened the humanitarian assistance support and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coveney, has also committed to working with local councils to assess the damage and respond quickly. I will liaise closely with the Minister and have asked my officials to engage with Fáilte Ireland to assess the situation from a tourism perspective. However, our thoughts are with all the people and businesses, who have woken up to an absolute nightmare this morning, as they try to recover.
Regarding the Deputy's questions, the tourism sector continues to play a significant role in supporting the State’s humanitarian effort in response to the unjust Russian war against Ukraine. In June 2023, Fáilte Ireland carried out a detailed analysis of the data provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, concerning the bed stock under contract to accommodate Ukrainians. The data identified that, in five counties, more than 20% of the registered stock is used for humanitarian purposes, peaking at 33% in County Clare. We are looking at supporting various businesses in the Lee Valley and developing the potential there. We are engaging with Fáilte Ireland on that too.
On the five-year plan, I can liaise with the Deputy and officials will link in with him regarding the tourism plan for the Lee Valley. There is huge potential in this area and he has named some of the opportunities there. We will engage with Fáilte Ireland on that and will look at the development of the plan.