andMr. Begley asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he proposes to introduce legislation to assume statutory responsibility for the operations of the regional tourism organisations.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Regional Tourism Organisations.
16.
While there are no proposals to introduce legislation in connection with the regional tourism organisations, the Government have been considering their operation in the context of the structures which would be best suited to the future development of tourism. As a result, and as announced last December, the Government have decided to carry out a review of the RTOs and have established an inter-departmental committee for this purpose.
Would the Minister accept that cutting back the funds to the regional tourism bodies is very unwise and shortsighted in the light of the £550 million the country earned last year from tourism?
The RTOs had been doing quite a good job and they are free to look for funds from various sources. Local authorities have been authorised to provide money for them.
They have no money for them.
Where will the local authorities get the money? Why did the Minister cut them back?
The intention was to get people at local level involved in tourism development and I think they have been doing a good job.
Coming from a tourist area like myself — the Minister's area is second only to west Cork — would the Minister accept that a policy which seems to be resulting in the enforced closure of tourist offices is a crazy policy and will be undertake with his senior Minister the necessary steps to ensure these closures do not take place?
I agree with the Deputy that tourist offices do a very good job and I would certainly like to see as many as possible in operation.
Will the Minister guarantee the finances to ensure that?
I will.
They are not being provided at the moment.