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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

O'Donovan brothers tourism promotion

Summary

Deputy Collins suggested using Gary and Paul O'Donovan to promote Ireland tourism. The Taoiseach welcomed the idea and said the brothers already feature in a new promotional video with strong online reach.

On page 47 of the programme for Government, under tourism policy, one of the Government's goals is to increase revenue from overseas visitors to €5 billion by 2025. Last week, I welcomed that the Taoiseach and other Ministers were selling Ireland all over the world to the best of their ability. Two of our greatest sports heroes, Gary and Paul O'Donovan, from the world class Skibbereen rowing club, are also selling Ireland all over the world, both on and off the sporting field. Gary and Paul are a media magnet, prompting calls last week from the Australian media for their tourism bodies to sign them up to sell Australia. Before we lose such valuable assets to that country, will the Taoiseach work with Fáilte Ireland to provide funds for both Gary and Paul to promote Ireland when travelling all over the world?

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

That is novel, and I think it is a very good idea as well. The Deputy will note that Gary and Paul appear in our new video promoting Ireland, which was launched last week. It now has 6 million views, which is a good investment.

Regarding Fáilte Ireland contracting them, I will certainly pass on that suggestion to the CEO.

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