My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. Implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as other bodies. While the Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland to provide financial and other supports to assist bids to host international conferences in Ireland, the Department does not have a role in the evaluation of applications or in the allocation of funding. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply to the Deputy. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.