53 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the numbers of employees employed in the tourism sector at present; the number who are non-nationals; the estimated shortfall of employees in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6663/01]

CERT conducts an employment survey of the four major sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry every year and a more comprehensive survey every three to four years. The CERT Employment Survey 2000, which has just been published, estimates that the total number employed in the four major sectors, hotel, restaurant, guesthouse and licensed premises, is 184,140, which represents an increase of 5% on the numbers employed in 1999.

The licensed premises sector remains the industry's most significant employer, accounting for over 40% of the workforce in the four sectors. The hotel sector employs almost one third of the workforce, and the restaurant sector accounts for almost a quarter.

It is estimated that at the time of survey there were approximately 27,750 vacancies across the four sectors at present, 67% of which were in the licensed premises sector. Hotels and restaurants accounted for 14% and 18% of vacancies respectively.

54 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has satisfied himself that there is a balanced distribution of tourists to the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6654/01]

Growth in tourism over the past ten years has been unprecedented, with visitor numbers doubling to six million and foreign exchange earnings tripling to £2.5 billion.

I recognise that while all regions have shared in this growth, there has been some significant variations in performance. I can assure the Deputy that it has been one of my top priorities to facilitate a more balanced regional spread of tourism revenue. This is clearly reflected in the strategy outlined in the national development plan which provides over £350 million for tourism marketing, training and product development. Tourism product development measures are located in the new regional operational programmes under the national development plan.

In the tourism product development measures, in particular, there is a clear focus on widening the spatial spread of tourism and on diverting pressure from highly developed areas. This will be addressed by utilising the potential of the less developed areas through support for the strengthening of special interest facilities, the upgrading and better presentation of a number of clusters of existing attractions and facilities and, in specific circumstances, for the development of some new major attractions. Bord Fáilte's regional marketing programme will complement this strategy, not only through destination promotion but also by measures to attract visitors to particular regions, such as encouragement and support for special niche products that are especially important to the less developed tourism areas.

However, it cannot be emphasised often enough that successful realisation of the tourism product development strategy which will be embedded in the regional operational programmes is dependent on, and directly linked to, the delivery by relevant local and other authorities of the necessary infrastructure, facilities and controls.