Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2019
237. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will seek a reversal of the decision by Tourism Ireland and Bord Fáilte to exclude greyhound racing in their campaigns. [41467/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the matter of tourism marketing and promotions generally, Tourism Ireland is the all-island body responsible for overseas tourism marketing, whereas Fáilte Ireland is responsible for domestic tourism promotions. Accordingly, decisions regarding particular promotional channels or campaigns – such as those relating to greyhound racing – are operational matters for the tourism agencies.
As regards Ireland’s greyhound industry, recent coverage and debate regarding alleged cruel practices has certainly damaged the reputation of the industry. I know that my colleague, Minister of State Doyle, who has responsibility for the greyhound sector, takes these allegations very seriously and has directed the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. I am confident that Minister Doyle and his Department, in cooperation with Bord na gCon, will ensure that any issues identified will be addressed appropriately.
As regards tourism marketing and promotions, I am very concerned about consequential damage to Ireland’s reputation as a tourist destination. While work is underway to right the wrongs and rehabilitate the industry and its reputation, we must be careful not to allow current negative publicity damage our tourism promotions. This is why the tourism agencies have decided to take a step back from active promotion of greyhound racing at this point in time and to keep the situation under review, pending implementation by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of several reforms underway and to come. I agree with that decision and trust the agencies to act in the best interests of Ireland and Irish tourism, guided by their insights and experience.
