Vol. 435 No. 2
33 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to restructure the State agencies in the tourist industry, and in particular, Bord Fáilte; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The establishment of the Department of Tourism and Trade last February brought together under my aegis the three State agencies involved in tourism i.e. Bord Fáilte, CERT and the tourism promotion and development functions of Shannon Development. I have no plans at present to restructure any of these agencies.
In relation to tourism structures generally, I have established the Tourism Council which had its inaugural meeting on 30 September last. I have also agreed with the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the tourism functions of the new County Enterprise Partnership Boards — CEPBs — which will work in close co-operation with the existing regional tourism organisations — RTOs. I am proposing to change the structure of the RTOs in order to streamline their work to facilitate close and efficient co-operation with the partnership boards when established.
Overall, this strengthened structure leaves us well positioned to maximise both our efforts and achievements in the coming years.
