asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the plans, if any, he has to rationalise the number of agencies involved in the development of tourism, as proposed in the document Programme for National Recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourism Development Agencies.
9.
The integration of tourism and transport policy functions with the formation of the Department of Tourism and Transport marked the first major step in this rationalisation process. This is of major significance given the pivotal role of an efficient and competitive transport system in tourism development.
The Minister of State, Deputy Denis Lyons, has been appointed to chair the Inter-Departmental Tourism Policy Co-Ordination Committee in order to bring about an improved co-ordination of all public sector activities in the tourism field.
The Government are determined that maximum cohesiveness is attained in implementing public sector programmes relating to tourism and to ensure that promotional and marketing resources are not wasted through duplication of functions or administrative overlapping. It is my intention that clarification of the role of all State institutions, with an involvement in the development of tourism, will be an integral part of the five year plan for the industry which I am working on at present.
Prior to the election, in their manifesto the Fianna Fáil Party said they would be strengthening the regional boards but they did not quantify what they proposed. Does the Minister intend increasing the authority of the regional boards, increasing the staff or giving them more money?
I can assure the Deputy that I have not got any more money to give them having accepted the provision in the Book of Estimates. We are determined that the regional boards should be very involved in the development of tourism. Both with the aid they are getting and with an increased amount from the industry — I know the industry had a bad year last year — I hope they will get the muscles of war and add to the development of tourism.
Can the Minister tell me where the savings will be made in this year's Estimates?
There is a question on the Order Paper about money.
I welcome the Minister's comments clarifying the role of the agencies involved, but if it transpires that there is a large amount of duplication will these agencies be integrated rather than maintained?
That is the purpose of the exercise.
Can the Minister tell us exactly how many agencies are involved in tourism, and by how many he intends to reduce the existing number?
I could not give a reply without notice of that question, but the Deputy will realise how many boards there are — Bord Fáilte, the regional tourism organisations, SFADCo, Aer Lingus, B & I and Sealink. All these agencies spend money advertising the attractions of Ireland. As I said, I could not give an accurate and full answer without having prior notice of the question.