David Andrews
Question:150 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to carry out a review of An Bord Tráchtála similar to the Arthur D. Little review of Bord Fáilte. [10945/95]
Written Answers. - An Bord Tráchtála.
I have no plans at present to employ consultants to review the role and operations of An Bord Tráchtála. My predecessor commissioned the review of Bord Fáilte because it was perceived that its structure was unsuitable to meet the challenges of marketing Ireland as a tourism destination. Bord Fáilte had become multi-functional and, as a result, the focus on its core marketing and promotional activity had become dissipated.
No such lack of focus exists in relation to An Bord Tráchtála. In fact, a review of An Bord Tráchtála's role was comprehended under the Culliton review of industrial policy which concluded that its primary function should continue to be the promotion of trade from the indigenous sector.
I recently reviewed and revised An Bord Tráchtála targets for indigenous export growth and set a new target of doubling the 1993 level of indigenous exports by 1999. I am anxious that, having set this ambitious target, it should have a good prospect of being achieved. Consequently, the board of An Bord Tráchtála, on which my Department is represented, has begun an internal review of staffing levels, resource allocations and priorities. Of course, my Department also keeps An Bord Tráchtála's promotion programmes under continuous review to ensure that they are as effective as possible.