Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Tourism
Period
1 May, 2016 to 31 Aug, 2016
Specific Details
Meeting with Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan to discuss current tourism performance, revision of national targets, adequate tourism investment, retaining competitiveness, capacity issues, restoring destination marketing budgets, reactivating Tourism Leadership Group, skilled staff shortages
Intended results
A review of the national tourism target with a revision upwards to 4% annual growth.
That multi-annual capital funding of €300 million over 5 years (2016-21) is secured.
Retention of the tourism Vat rate of 9%, rising minimum wages and utility costs mean that Ireland risk becoming out of line with our competitors. Retaining competitiveness is key to continued growth.
Adequate capacity is a major challenge in Dublin and a critical issue for Irish tourism, and is set to continue to 2020. Ensure that the correct policy recommendations and analysis be strong and proactive in the review of Dublin's hotel capacity.
Ensure there is an adequate supply of skilled staff in the tourism sector, and the recommendations made by the Export Group on Future Skills Needs are implemented.
An independent evaluation of Ireland's overseas tourism marketing expenditure with the inclusion of the tourism industry, and a review of product development to ensure Ireland is providing appropriate things to see and do for visitors.
Re-establishment of the Tourism Leadership Group.
Restoration of Tourism Ireland's marketing funds by 40%.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman, Declan Kearney
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Meeting (1)
Meeting took place at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport on June 22nd
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Patrick O'Donovan
Minister of State (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport)
Ken Spratt
Assistant Secretary (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport)