asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will outline the role of the new National Tourism Council and its precise functions.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - National Tourism Council.
12.
The National Tourism Council have been set up by a number of organisations which are substantially involved in Irish tourism. The council are a voluntary, representative and advisory body and have announced that their objects are to encourage and assist the promotion and development of tourism as a major sector in the economy and embracing:—(a) the development of understanding and co-operation between all interested in Irish tourism and between the tourist industry and the community; (b) the provision of a forum for the collection, exchange and dissemination of information and opinion; and (c) the publication or communication of information and opinion.
Membership of the council includes Bord Fáilte, the hotel industry, the trade unions, transport concerns and the car rental industry.
Can I take it that the Minister and his Department surely recognise the key role that the council can play? Can the Minister say whether he proposes to have frequent consultations with the council in conjunction with Bord Fáilte?
I attended the initial meeting of the council last week. I intend to attend as frequently as possible the meetings of the council and to maintain direct communication with them. There is need for a forum of this kind where there can be a free and regular exchange of views between the various interests in the hotel industry, Bord Fáilte and other tourism interests.