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Tourism Promotion

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2013

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Ceisteanna (111, 126, 159, 773, 781)

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

111. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of Greening events on St Patrick’s Day to promote Irish tourism; if particular efforts will be made to separate the celebration of St Patrick’s Day events which receive State support from the promotion of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8375/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

126. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the buildings/structures that are due to take part in the Greening initiative in the various different cities around the world as well as those in this country owned by the State as part of the St. Patrick's Day programme for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8245/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

159. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of consultation that has taken place with the Office of Public Works in relation to broadening the Greening initiative for the St. Patrick's Day programme for this year to other public buildings, including State and Government buildings such as Dáil Éireann and the Department of an Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8373/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

773. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of Greening events (details supplied) on St Patrick’s day to promote Irish tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8400/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

781. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of Greening events on St. Patrick's Day to promote tourism here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8618/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 126, 159, 773 and 781 together.

These questions relate to the St Patrick's Day "Global Greening" initiative.

Tourism Ireland recently publicised details of their 2013 “Global Greening” initiative.  The initiative helps to create a supportive backdrop against which Tourism Ireland can run its targeted marketing programmes.  Among the landmarks going green this year are the Pyramids of Giza, the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, the Sydney Opera House and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  I also understand that the St. Patrick's Festival Company will again organise a greening programme for some landmark venues in Dublin, such as Trinity College, Bank of Ireland on College Green, and Christchurch Cathedral.

Given that 2013 is the year of The Gathering, I am, in conjunction with Minister of State Brian Hayes,encouraging a wider programme of “greening” of public buildings at home. This will help to publicise the Gathering and enhance the visitor experience for those visiting the country during the period around the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.  I have also invited my Ministerial colleagues, the local authorities, bus and rail companies and airports to green prominent buildings in their care and the Gathering Team are disseminating the concept through their network across the country.  A number of high profile buildings have been confirmed already and, together with Minister of State Hayes, I hope to make an announcement on the subject over the coming weeks.

In relation to alcohol sponsorship, I understand that the St. Patrick's Festival Company, which organises the national parade and related events in Dublin, has a policy of not seeking sponsorship from the alcohol sector.

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