Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 8

Written Answers. - Tourism Council.

Paul Bradford

Question:

17 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the work of the tourism council to date, including the number of times it has met, and the major issues which it has addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. McCreevy)

As I indicated in my reply to a Dáil question on 28 October last, the two primary functions of the Tourism Council are: (1) to act as a national forum for consultation between the tourism industry, State tourism agencies and Government Departments on a tripartite basis and (2) to act in an advisory capacity to the Minister for Tourism and Trade and provide guidance in determining tourism policy to be implemented by the State agencies.

The council has met on two occasions to date. It is my intention that next year it will meet on a quarterly basis. Among the issues discussed at the meetings already held were: organisational matters, the work programme of the council, the tourism operational programme, a review of the 1993 season, manpower and the industry, and the impact of tourism on the economy.

The council has also established three sub-committees to examine thoroughly the issues of marketing, access and product development which are critical to the future, sustained development of the tourism sector. These sub-committees will report to the council during 1994.