asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the changes in the personnel of the Irish Tourist Board announced on October 1st indicate any change in policy in regard to the exercise of its functions by the board; and, if so, what change.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Tourist Board.
Following their first meeting on the 4th October, 1950, the reconstituted tourist board issued a statement on future policy to the Press. This statement indicated that in so far as the exercise of their functions was concerned the board would direct their policy towards securing the fullest possible co-operation from the hotel industry and other interests concerned with a view to the development of tourist traffic. The statement also indicated that the board, in conjunction with the competent professional bodies representing the hotel industry, would undertake a detailed examination of the existing registration and grading scheme with a view to revision.
The board have been given a broad indication of the directions in which the Government are of opinion they should proceed for the promotion and development of the tourist industry.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Minister for Industry and Commerce when introducing his Estimate this year intimated that a full statement on the Government's policy in relation to the tourist industry would be made within a few months? Is there any reason to think that that statement may be made soon?
I do not know whether any special statement is called for, but the House will be informed of any major decisions if and when amending legislation is brought before the Dáil.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether in recent months a report from the tourist board was received in the Department of Industry and Commerce and whether that report has been approved by the Department or not?
That is a separate question.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the date of appointment of Mr. Quinlan, Kerry County Manager, as chairman of the Irish Tourist Board, the date of the termination of his services as chairman and the notice given to Mr. Quinlan of such termination; if he will further state whether Mr. Quinlan carried out his duties as chairman in a satisfactory manner; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that his non-reappointment may be considered as reflecting on his ability and in view of the public positions which he has held, he will state what reasons the Government have for not offering him reappointment.
Mr. Quinlan was appointed as chairman of the Irish Tourist Board on the 1st April, 1949, for a period of 12 months. He was reappointed from the 1st April, 1950, for a further period expiring on the 30th September, 1950. In a letter dated 25th September, 1950, the Minister expressed his appreciation of the assistance he had given as chairman and informed him that his appointment would not be renewed, not because of any lack of recognition of his work, but as a consequence of the contemplated reorganisation of the Irish Tourist Board. It is not the practice to give the reasons on which the Government's decision is based in the case of an individual appointment.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that the removal of the chairman of the board, Mr. Quinlan, from office is a serious reflection on him in view of the public positions which he held unless satisfactory reasons are given to this House for his removal or non-appointment?
The appointment to which the Deputy refers was, first of all, for a period of 12 months. It was subsequently renewed for a period of six months. When the period expired, unless the person was reappointed, his term of office ended.
Is it a fact that Mr. Quinlan either disobeyed a request from the Government or failed to comply with the wishes of the Government which caused his removal from office? Can the Parliamentary Secretary give the reasons for the non-appointment of a decent man?
A change of policy.
There is no ground for the suggestion in the first part of the Deputy's supplementary. As I stated in my reply, it is not the practice, in the case of an individual appointment, to give the reasons for the Government's decision.
I desire to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I will consider that.
I consider that this appointment stinks. It was the most treacherous act this Government ever performed.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the terms of appointment of Mr. J.A. Nugent as chairman of the Irish Tourist Board.
Mr. J. A. Nugent has been appointed chairman of the Irish Tourist Board for a period of five years from the 1st October, 1950. Mr. Nugent's duties will be part-time; his remuneration will be at the rate of £500 a year and he will be paid travelling and subsistence expenses at the rates appropriate to civil servants of the highest class in respect of journeys undertaken on the business of the board.