Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
201. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the key measures taken to support the tourism and hospitality sector during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73144/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future reaffirms our commitment to introducing measures that strengthen the tourism and hospitality sectors. These industries play a vital role in Ireland’s economy, driving regional growth and supporting local communities.
My Department’s primary responsibility in this area is the development of tourism policy. Earlier this month, I launched our new National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. This forward-looking strategy sets out a clear vision for growing visitor numbers and associated revenue and, employment, while ensuring balanced regional development. Key actions include digital innovation, culinary tourism, strategic air access, off peak regional growth, skills development, employment quality and sustainable tourism infrastructure. Increased funding in Budget 2026 will enable the tourism agencies to expand initiatives in these areas ensuring the successful implementation of our new policy.
In line with the new Action Plan on Market Diversification, the funding allocated to Tourism Ireland in Budget 2026 will ensure that they can take new opportunities to grow strategic source markets and ‘win value adding visitors’ to the island of Ireland, benefiting the businesses and communities that depend on overseas tourism.
Fáilte Ireland offers several training and business supports to tourism operators including Climate Action Programme, Commercial Resilience Clinics, Digital Transformation Support and People and Performance initiatives. Fáilte Ireland is also part of the National Enterprise Hub making it easier for Irish tourism businesses to access information on all government supports
The Government acknowledges the significant challenges the hospitality sector has faced in recent years, including rising operational costs and other economic pressures. Supporting small businesses and sustainable employment remains at the heart of this Government’s economic strategy. Budget 2026, introduced targeted measures to reinforce the sector, including a reduction in the VAT rate for hospitality services from 13.5% to 9%, effective July 2026. This is particularly significant for small and family-run businesses operating on tight margins.
