The Irish government remains confident that inbound visitor numbers will increase in 2012, following the publication of latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Visitor numbers for the year to date were broadly flat when compared with the same period last year, while there was a "marginal" decline for the period between February and April.

However, Irish minister for transport, tourism and sport Leo Varadkar expressed optimism in the tourism sector's prospects for the remainder of the year.

"Despite continuing economic uncertainty in many markets, there are plenty of reasons to expect a strong tourism performance this year," said Varadkar.

Details: www.transport.ie