I propose to take Questions Nos. 625, 629, 630, 632, 633, 637, 640 and 643 together.
With regard to policy oversight, the Department of Education and Skills has lead responsibility for skills development policy generally across all sectors, including hospitality and tourism, and delivers the required education and training through the mainstream higher and further education and training sectors. The Government's Tourism Policy Statement "People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025" and the Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018, recognises the key role that this training and education plays in ensuring that there is an adequate supply of skilled staff in tourism and to develop talent accordingly.
As regards hospitality and tourism training positions and the funding for same, the Department of Education and Skills oversees the bulk of training provided nationally, channelling funding through its agency SOLAS for further education and through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for higher education.
In addition to the mainstream higher and further education and training, a limited number of complementary tourism related business development and training supports are provided by Fáilte Ireland, in line with its responsibility for encouraging, promoting and supporting tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
As this aspect of the matters raised is an operational matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland, I have referred this aspect of the questions asked on to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to those Deputies seeking further detail regarding funding for such supports and the number of positions available.
Please contact my private office if a response is not received within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.