Written Answers Nos. 41 - 60
41. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to calls by an organisation (details supplied) for emergency measures to be put in place to solve a shortage of chefs across the country (details supplied); the status of the CERT national hospitality training centre in Amiens Street; and his views on whether 5,000 chefs will be needed to fill vacancies by 2018. [29964/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of calls for the re-establishment of CERT, the Council for Education, Recruitment and Training. CERT was dissolved in 2003 upon the establishment of Fáilte Ireland under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003. In line with other sectors, education and training for the hospitality sector is primarily funded and delivered through the higher and further education, and training bodies, namely the Institutes of Technology and the Education and Training Boards, with complementary training and business supports provided by Fáilte Ireland.
There are no plans to establish a dedicated training organisation for the tourism and hospitality sector.
The further development of training will be guided by the ongoing work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, which is a matter for the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Skills and Labour Market Research undertaken by SOLAS. A Hospitality Skills Oversight Group was established in early 2016 to ensure the skills needs of the hospitality sector are met.
Fáilte Ireland has certain statutory functions, including promoting and supporting the recruitment, training, and education and development, of people for the purpose of employment in connection with the tourism industry in the State. Fáilte Ireland's priorities within the tourism industry are for on-site practical training interventions to boost productivity and sustain employment.
With specific regard to chef training, Fáilte Ireland is playing a leading role in the development of a culinary apprenticeship programme through its participation, together with industry stakeholders, on a consortium collaborating on its development. I am pleased to say that good progress is being made in the development of the apprenticeship programme and it is expected that the first intake of apprentices will commence in the autumn.
42. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to recommence the design stage of the A5/N2 to address the potential impacts from Brexit; if Monaghan County Council can be briefed on these plans; and if funding will be available to the council. [29940/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will allocate funding to allow Monaghan County Council recommence the design stage of the A5/N2 and select the preferred route to address the potential impacts from Brexit. [29939/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 59 together.
As the Deputy is aware, while I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects (such as the N2) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
The Capital Plan published in September 2015 outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022. Maintenance and renewal of the road network will continue to be the main priority over the next period and the bulk of the roads capital budget, approximately €4.4 billion, is earmarked for such essential work with a further €600 million allocated for implementation of the PPP road programme which is already underway. In this context it was not possible to include a range of projects in the Plan (including the N2 Clontibret to the Border scheme) given the overall funding envelope available.
The Capital Review is now underway and a number of local authorities (including Monaghan County Council) have made submissions to my Department outlining the case for funding for roads and my Department is making a strong case for additional funding, including the development of a project pipeline for road schemes. While there is a strong case for additional funding for the transport sector, there are a multitude of possible national, regional and local projects around the country, the cost of which far exceed available funding and unfortunately, this means that only a limited number can be put forward for funding.
The final decisions on allocations are, however, matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Government as a whole.
Concerning the A5 scheme, as outlined to the Deputy in my reply to PQ 12318/17 of 8 March 2017 and PQ 23352/17 of 16 May, the planning and implementation (including the design) of the A5 project is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland authorities. As the Deputy is aware, the Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start - reaffirmed the Government's commitment to provide funding of £50m for the A5 project and committed an additional £25m to ensure that Phase 1 of the project (Newbuildings to north of Strabane) can commence as soon as the planning process in Northern Ireland has been concluded.
43. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Staying Alive at 1.5 initiative aimed at protecting cyclists and other vulnerable roads users; his legislative plans regarding minimum overtaking distances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30207/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been a worrying increase in deaths among cyclists during 2017, which is particularly concerning as overall road deaths are down on last year.
Ensuring greater safety for cyclists, and other road users, requires measures across a wide range of areas, and the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and others are continuing to pursue a variety of initiatives under the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020.
I am well aware of the 'Stayin' Alive at 1.5' initiative, and I share its goal of ensuring cycle safety. However, I am also aware that An Garda Síochána have repeatedly stated that the introduction of a mandatory passing distance would not be enforceable. I know that a number of other countries do have mandatory passing distances, but it is important to recognise that these jurisdictions have very different legal and constitutional contexts.
Aside from the challenge of enforcement, including demonstrating to the satisfaction of a court that distance measurements are accurate, there are practical challenges with a mandatory passing distance. For example, if a motorist and a cyclist were less than 1.5 metres apart and it was the cyclist who had moved into that position, would the motorist be committing an offence? Given that we have many narrow roads, would a mandatory passing distance force drivers to move dangerously far to the other side of the road?
It is not clear that such a law would be practicable. It is arguably more effective to educate both drivers and cyclists about safe behaviour on our roads. In that regard I welcome the current campaign by the Road Safety Authority advising motorists to use 1.5m outside 50 km/hour zones, and 1m inside them. I intend to work with the RSA to further highlight this message, so that this rule of thumb will be followed where practicable and safe rather than turning breaches of it into a criminal offence.
44. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to allocate a specific marketing budget to Fáilte Ireland to promote County Donegal specifically, further to the county being nominated by a magazine (details supplied) as the coolest place on the planet to visit in 2017 and Donegal Airport being named the second most scenic airport in the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29938/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the boards and management of the two tourism agencies - Tourism Ireland in regard to overseas tourism marketing and Fáilte Ireland in regard to regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion.
Tourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and business tourism destination and undertakes extensive marketing campaigns in 23 key source markets for tourism to Ireland. Within Ireland, individual counties may compete for domestic visitors. Research carried out for Tourism Ireland indicates that the level of awareness of Ireland's county boundaries is low among potential overseas visitors, and therefore expenditure by public or private entities on marketing an individual county to consumers in overseas markets is unlikely to provide an adequate return on investment.
I am delighted that National Geographic Traveller has named Donegal at the top of its list of 'coolest places to visit' in 2017. Donegal features prominently in Tourism Ireland's global marketing activity. For example last autumn, filming took place at places like Malin Head, Fanad Lighthouse, Glenveagh National Park and Slieve League in Donegal for Tourism Ireland footage of the Donegal section of the Wild Atlantic Way. Tourism Ireland has rolled out a series of Wild Atlantic Way advertising campaigns in overseas markets over the past year, in which Donegal has featured.
Donegal, and the accolade received from National Geographic Traveller, are highlighted on Tourism Ireland's suite of international websites as well as through Tourism Ireland's social media platforms. Donegal continues to be extensively promoted through a series of Wild Atlantic Way adverts and will feature in the upcoming Star Wars film providing a superb promotional opportunity. Tourism Ireland also works with overseas travel, lifestyle and special interest media as part of their overseas promotional programme. I understand that Tourism Ireland recently provided details of such campaigns to the Deputy.
Donegal Airport certainly benefits from a very scenic approach and the recent publicity it received is welcome, both for the airport and the county. Tourism Ireland has, since 2015, supported direct access to regional airports through its Regional Air Access Cooperative Fund. This provides for funding to be made available where it is matched by carriers or airports in order to exploit marketing opportunities for direct access. I understand that Donegal Airport has availed of this fund in the past and would encourage it do so again.
I understand that Aer Lingus has announced they are interlining routes to Donegal (Carrickfinn) from Schipol Airport in Amsterdam and Charles de Gaulle in Paris. Tourism Ireland and Aer Lingus are trialling a new interlining initiative (to the end of October 2017) to make it easier for French and Dutch visitors to fly into Donegal Airport (Carrickfinn). This new pilot scheme means that visitors can travel Charles de Gaulle/Dublin/Donegal or Schipol/Dublin/Donegal with tickets issued all the way through and baggage transferred automatically all the way through to Donegal airport (so there is no need to reclaim luggage at Dublin and check in again for onward travel to Donegal). Tourism Ireland will promote the new scheme.
In 2016, Fáilte Ireland invested €1.7m on marketing the Wild Atlantic Way and, along with the local authorities from Donegal to Galway, have co-funded a marketing campaign in Great Britain in 2017 in which Donegal features heavily.
45. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason Sport Ireland has delayed in responding to the application for additional funding for the national women's soccer team for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30131/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, provides funding to the FAI from its Youth Field Sports Programme and its Women in Sport Programme. Funding of €2.7 million was provided to the FAI last year. Sport Ireland intend to announce the 2017 allocation to the FAI shortly. Youth Field Sports funding is aimed at increasing participation in football by young people. The Women in Sport funding is for the grassroots development of women's football and funds participation initiatives for adult women.
Sport Ireland has informed me that, following receipt of an application from the FAI for additional funding for the Women's National Team for 2017, the request was considered by the Board of Sport Ireland at the same time as other applications made by the FAI for funding in 2017. There was no undue delay. The applications were brought before the Board of Sport Ireland on June 14th. The Board of Sport Ireland decided that, given their current budgetary position, Sport Ireland is not in a position to support this initiative at this time. This decision was communicated to the FAI on June 15th. I am also informed by Sport Ireland that they will keep the matter under consideration as part of the budgetary process for 2018.
In terms of other supports, Sport Ireland informs me that, following a request from the FAI, the Women's National Team has access to the Sport Ireland Institute services and facilities. I intend to raise the matter with both the FAI and Sport Ireland when I meet with both in the near future.
47. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to improve cycling safety in view of the fact that there have been more fatalities to date in 2017 than the entirety of 2016. [30175/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe creation of a safer cycling environment is a priority for me and I share the Deputy's concern regarding the figures this year.
The greatest risks are where many different road users share space. Hence, in 2017, funding of just under €30 million has been allocated by the NTA under the Sustainable Transport Management grant scheme for the Greater Dublin Area and for the Regional Cities. This funding will be allocated to Cycling and Walking projects and Bus Priority measures, enabling better segregation of users. In 2016 the funding for the GDA was €21.22m and over 80% of this was spent on Cycling and Walking projects, with similar expected for 2017.
I am acutely aware of the need for more and better cycling infrastructure and I am seeking additional funding for it as part of the mid-term review of the Capital Investment Plan.
Infrastructure is a part of the solution but it is not all of the solution. How all road users behave is also important. I understand from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) that the deaths of people cycling in recent years have been spread across urban and rural locations and on every type of road (National, Regional, Local). While we all are free to use the road safely, we also all have the responsibility to ensure that our driving or cycling does not impact on that. It is up to all road users to be attentive and the RSA have highlighted the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of passing cyclists at a reasonable distance.
My Department has also allocated €350,000 for the purpose of subsidising participating schools for training in the new standard Cycle Right, with additional funding from the RSA, and with Cycling Ireland administering and managing the scheme registration.
I intend, with the RSA, to further highlight the need for all road users to take account of the vulnerability of cyclists in the coming weeks, as I am conscious that the numbers of people cycling generally peaks at this time of year.
48. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with Fáilte Ireland to ensure that there is a marketing budget put in place to further promote County Donegal further to the county being nominated by a magazine (details supplied) as the coolest place on the planet to visit in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29937/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the boards and management of the two tourism agencies - Tourism Ireland in regard to overseas tourism marketing and Fáilte Ireland in regard to regional tourism development and domestic tourism promotion.
Tourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and business tourism destination and undertakes extensive marketing campaigns in 23 key source markets for tourism to Ireland. Within Ireland, individual counties may compete for domestic visitors. Research carried out for Tourism Ireland indicates that the level of awareness of Ireland's county boundaries is low among potential overseas visitors, and therefore expenditure by public or private entities on marketing an individual county to consumers in overseas markets is unlikely to provide an adequate return on investment.
I am delighted that National Geographic Traveller has named Donegal at the top of its list of 'coolest places to visit' in 2017. Donegal features prominently in Tourism Ireland's global marketing activity. For example last autumn, filming took place at places like Malin Head, Fanad Lighthouse, Glenveagh National Park and Slieve League in Donegal for Tourism Ireland footage of the Donegal section of the Wild Atlantic Way. Tourism Ireland has rolled out a series of Wild Atlantic Way advertising campaigns in overseas markets over the past year, in which Donegal has featured.
Donegal, and the accolade received from National Geographic Traveller, are highlighted on Tourism Ireland's suite of international websites as well as through Tourism Ireland's social media platforms. Donegal continues to be extensively promoted through a series of Wild Atlantic Way adverts and will feature in the upcoming Star Wars film providing a superb promotional opportunity. Tourism Ireland also works with overseas travel, lifestyle and special interest media as part of their overseas promotional programme. I understand that Tourism Ireland recently provided details of such campaigns to the Deputy.
In 2016, Fáilte Ireland invested €1.7m on marketing the Wild Atlantic Way and, along with the local authorities from Donegal to Galway, have co-funded a marketing campaign in Great Britain in 2017 in which Donegal features heavily.
49. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the new legislation being prepared by the Government to regulate the use of rickshaws in cities and towns across the State; the way this legislation will be effective in allowing for the regulation of these vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29960/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing consideration of proposals from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and legal advice which I received, I am proceeding with the drafting of Heads of a Bill to provide for a new Part to be inserted to the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 exclusively for the regulation of rickshaws. The approach will, amongst things, ensure that
- the relevant interactions with the existing legislative framework under the 2013 Act for small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines), are properly integrated;
- the definition of 'rickshaw' will encompass all known types of rickshaw, in particular the most prevalent type of rickshaw in operation which has an electric motor which provides assistance to the person pedalling the rickshaw, and
- the principles and policies will be set out in primary legislation as to the matters which the NTA may provide for in regulations, thereby giving the NTA the necessary powers to regulate.
To inform the detailed drafting process I have also tasked the NTA with conducting a public consultation, as the views of key stakeholders and the public will be important in devising an appropriate regulatory regime for rickshaws. The consultation will, amongst other things, seek to elicit information on existing rickshaw operators in relation to the scale and type of operations and users experience of rickshaws including fares charged and issues they have experienced, as well as operators'/drivers' and the public's views on how operators/drivers and vehicles should be regulated. I am advised that the NTA intends to initiate the consultation process in early July. Early consultation on proposals to legislate will mean that feedback can be used constructively and a broad consensus secured.
I share the concerns which have been raised about the need for regulation of rickshaws and it is my intention to progress the drafting of the Heads of a Bill without delay
50. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to identify a bus park and ride facility on the N7 near Rathcoole, County Dublin (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29957/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn light of the National Transport Authority's responsibility for the BusConnects initiative, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply on the issue raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
51. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2012, SI 332 of 2012, that was to make cycle tracks non-mandatory except for contraflow tracks and tracks in pedestrianised areas in view of the fact that the regulations do not provide for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29946/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile it may have been the Department's intention at the time of the introduction of the amendment to the Regulations in 2012 to only make the use of contraflow cycle track and of any cycle track in pedestrianised area mandatory, this is not how the Regulations are set out.
The Department is currently consulting with the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána and has sought their views on the relevant provisions. Before any amendments are considered to clarify the situation in relation to the circumstances surrounding the mandatory use of cycle lanes, this Department will have to satisfy itself that any such measures strike an appropriate balance between the views of all stakeholders from a road safety perspective. A detailed report on this issue is expected from the RSA shortly.
52. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to meet with Bus Éireann worker representatives to discuss the future of the company and transport nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30191/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have invited representatives of all CIÉ trade unions, as well as ICTU, to meet with me and explain their issues of concern as expressed in recent months. Invitations issued last week and the meeting will take place in early July. I believe this meeting will provide unions with an opportunity to voice their views to me directly in relation to any issues of policy concern they might have.
The Deputy is also aware that I committed to a dialogue with all public transport stakeholders in order to advance the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to start a review of public transport policy.
I believe that this broad dialogue will allow for all stakeholders, including trade unions, a chance to inform the development of public transport policy in Ireland. I look forward to that dialogue and the participation of all relevant stakeholders.
53. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if plans for a cycle way from Sutton to Balbriggan in north County Dublin can be fast tracked; the funding that is available for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30206/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of public transport and sustainable transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
Under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the NTA for the seven local authorities in the GDA for the implementation of sustainable transport projects including cycling/walking infrastructure, Quality Bus Corridors, safety, integration and traffic management projects throughout the region.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply with regard to this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which, in the context of a capital expenditure review, he plans to address strategic infrastructural deficits in the transport area with particular reference to road, bus and rail services, bridges and existing networks incapable of dealing with traffic volumes; his further plans to make major announcements in this area in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30130/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe existing capital plan provides almost €10bn for transport investment which is a significant portion of the overall capital envelope available to 2021 and underlines the importance of transport to Ireland's future growth and prosperity. A mid-term review of the Capital Plan is currently underway by Government to determine capital investment priorities over the remaining 4 years of the existing plan in the context of a growing economy, where congestion has the potential to impede that growth. I have made a detailed and compelling case for increased investment which will seek to address infrastructural deficits in the transport area and address congestion issues particularly in urban areas as the Deputy rightly points out.
Land Transport is the largest programme by far in my Department's Vote, representing 80% of my overall budget. The main components of the programme are: roads improvement and maintenance funding with an overall budget of €760m. The public transport investment programme has a budget of €355m.
In 2017, this funding will provide for:
- the completion of the LUAS Cross City project. I expect to see the first trams operating on the line before the end of the year.
- the funding of over 180 new buses comprising double and single deck buses and coaches, with 110 buses for the Dublin region fleet and over 70 buses for the Bus Éireann fleet. This will significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of the bus fleet serving both urban and rural areas;
- the funding for essential planning and design work on some of the important but longer-term projects such as Metro North and the DART Expansion Programme.
- the essential maintenance and renewal of the heavy rail network to ensure it is safe and fit for purpose;
- significant investment of €303m in our national roads to ensure they are maintained properly;
- further contractual payments towards the Public Private Partnership roads programme;
- significant investment of €324m in our regional and local roads network; and
- funding to advance key roads investments, including the widening the N7 around Naas and the linked work on the Sallins Bypass and access to the Millennium Business Park
– as well as preparatory work and planning on the projects in the Capital Plan, such as the Dunkettle upgrade, and the N4 from Collooney to Castlebaldwin
55. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 589 of 30 May 2017, if he will provide a report on this paper; his plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29954/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the Deputy's previous question in relation to the future use of the microchip on the plastic card style driver licences, this matter is still subject to consideration by my Department and I have nothing further to add to my previous answer at this time.
56. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether his Department and transport agencies under its aegis are doing enough to promote the use of the European Fund for Strategic Investments in terms of identifying and carrying out background work on public infrastructure projects that may meet the criteria for project selection in terms of additionality and revenue generation and may attract private co-financing investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30170/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to PQ 30503/17 Lottery 1 of the 28th June 2017.
57. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the provision of extra current and capital funding for transport in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29953/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am in regular contact with my colleague, Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the provision of funding for transport. The existing capital plan provides almost €10bn for transport investment which is a significant portion of the overall capital envelope available to 2021 and underlines the importance of transport to Ireland's future growth and prosperity.
A mid-term review of the Capital Plan is currently underway by Government to determine capital investment priorities over the remaining 4 years of the existing plan in the context of a growing economy, where congestion has the potential to impede that growth. I have made a detailed and compelling case for increased investment in maintaining and developing our transport network to address congestion and facilitate economic activity throughout the country.
I look forward to engaging more intensively with Minister Donohoe over the coming months in the lead up to Budget 2018 when final decisions will be taken by Government. Transport is a key priority for Government and I am confident that it will be given the appropriate level of attention particularly in defining a new 10 year perspective for capital investment.
Separately, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has commenced an overall Spending Review, covering both capital and current funding. My Department’s input to that Spending Review will form part of the Government's deliberations on Budget 2018.
58. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date on the rebranding of a midlands tourism strategy and the proposed business plan by Fáilte Ireland to serve midlands counties including Longford and Westmeath; when this plan will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29975/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland and I do not have a direct role in relation to the development of branding strategies.
In the final quarter of 2016 and in line with the Programme for Government commitment to develop the 'Ireland's Lakelands' brand, Fáilte Ireland commissioned a Destination and Feasibility study to ascertain the potential growth and best mechanism to unlock those areas that lie between the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East. A consortium of Colliers, Red C and DKM was engaged to conduct the study. I am informed by Fáilte Ireland that the study is now complete and it has suggested a number of options to create a distinctive tourism brand for the midlands. The next step for Fáilte Ireland is to develop and test the available options. I understand that Fáilte Ireland is scheduled to commence this work immediately and that this will involve engagement with local stakeholders.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information on this matter and for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
60. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered reviewing the current training and education structures in the tourism sector with a view to considering the establishment of a distinct specialised training service for those who work or intend to work in the tourism industry, including chefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29959/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills has overall responsibility for skills development policy generally across all sectors, including hospitality and tourism, and oversees the bulk of the required education and training delivered nationally through the mainstream higher and further education and training sectors.
There are no plans to establish a new training organisation or other oversight body for the tourism and hospitality sector specifically. Rather, projected skills demands across the economy are being addressed through a combination of measures involving various key stakeholders.
For its part, Fáilte Ireland provides some complementary tourism-related business development and training supports in line with its responsibility for encouraging, promoting and supporting tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
Furthermore, in line with my Department's Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018, Fáilte Ireland is committed to working with the tourism industry and the wider education and training sector to implement recommendations relating to the hospitality sector in the report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). In this regard, Fáilte Ireland participates in the Hospitality Skills Oversight Group, which oversees skills development and promotion in the sector, including monitoring the implementation of the EGFSN recommendations.
With specific regard to chef training, Fáilte Ireland is playing a leading role in the development of a culinary apprenticeship programme through its participation, together with industry stakeholders, on the consortium collaborating on its development. I am pleased to say that good progress is being made in the development of the apprenticeship programme and it is expected that the first intake of apprentices will commence in the autumn.
