Cathy Bennett
Question:145. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his proposals to support employment in the tourism sector. [45647/26]
View answerTuesday, 16 June 2026
Questions (145)
Written answers
Tourism remains one of Ireland’s most strategically important economic sectors, supporting approximately 229,000 jobs and sustaining some 46,000 businesses across the country. Its impact is deeply regional, with around 70% of roles located outside Dublin, making it a critical driver of balanced regional development.
The Government’s strategic direction, set out in ‘A New Era for Irish Tourism’, provides a clear and ambitious framework for the sector’s future. It recognises tourism as a major national employer and sets a target to grow employment to around 250,000, while ensuring the sector remains a viable and attractive long-term career.
The policy places strong emphasis not only on increasing job numbers, but also on enhancing skills, supporting workforce development, and promoting high-quality employment practices and retention particularly within SMEs and regional economies. It also links employment to sustainability, with a focus on creating more stable, year-round jobs by extending the tourism season and distributing demand more evenly across the country.
A coordinated, cross-government approach is being taken to skills development, with ongoing collaboration between departments, industry stakeholders, State agencies and education providers. This ensures that the tourism workforce is equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly innovative, digital and competitive sector.
Fáilte Ireland plays a central role in strengthening workforce capability through a range of targeted initiatives. Programmes such as the Employer Excellence Programme support businesses in enhancing HR practices, leadership and employee retention, while Digital That Delivers is a major initiative aimed at boosting the digital capabilities of tourism businesses. In addition, a national online learning platform is improving access to training, and complementary measures including student placements and tailored employer supports are helping to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
On 11 June, I attended the Employer Excellence Awards, where 16 outstanding businesses from across the tourism and hospitality sector were recognised. These businesses are demonstrating leadership in creating positive workplace cultures, investing in employee development, and setting a high standard for employment excellence across Ireland.
Alongside investment in people, the enabling conditions for sustainable growth must also be addressed. Access to accommodation remains an important consideration for those seeking employment in tourism, particularly in high-demand areas. This highlights the need for a balanced, cross-government approach that aligns tourism development with housing provision and broader community needs.
Collectively, these actions reflect a clear and strategic commitment to building a skilled, resilient, and sustainable tourism workforce capable of supporting the sector’s continued growth and its vital contribution to communities across the country.
Questions Nos. 146 to 151, inclusive answered orally.