Vol. 445 No. 6
95 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will expand on a recent statement which he made at ITIC conference to the effect that Ireland lacks a distinctive Irish culinary identify; the proposals, if any, he has to promote such a reputation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10/94]
In general, there is a high level of visitor satisfaction with the quality of food available in restaurants and other establishments. The food business is becoming more market orientated and more of the domestic market is being attracted to dining out more frequently. Our successful efforts to increase tourism is stimulating greater attention to providing good quality food at a variety of price levels.
I believe, however, that more can be done with our quality Irish food with a view to promoting a distinctive Irish cuisine. When raising this point in my speech to the ITIC Conference on 28 March last, my purpose was to ask the industry to consider what it could do to further this objective.
Currently, Bord Fáilte and the Irish Hotel and Catering Institute are co-ordinating a programme to combine the efforts of the hospitality industry to improve awareness about the value of a distinctive Irish cuisine. The industry will be encouraged to work with the institute and others at improving perceptions both as to the quality of Irish food products and the rich potential this offers for a national culinary identity.
