David Andrews
Question:166 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the extent to which he has responsibility for the affairs and activities of Bord Fáilte and An Bord Tráchtála. [17391/95]
Written Answers. - Bord Fáilte and ABT.
While I provide overall policy direction for both Bord Fáilte and An Bord Tráchtála, I have no direct responsibility for their day-to-day activities. Bord Fáilte and ABT are executive agencies which have been set up, by statute, as bodies with functions independent of my Department.
ABT's principal powers and functions are set out in section 6 (1) of the Trade and Marketing Promotion Act, 1991, which says: "The Board shall promote, assist and develop in any manner which the Board considers necessary or desirable the marketing of Irish goods and such services as are specified by the Minister by order." S.I. No. 170 of 1983, made under earlier legislation, is the only order made by the Minister specifying services. It enabled Córas Tráchtála, as ABT was then to promote, assist and develop certain service activities for export purposes.
Bord Fáilte's powers and functions are provided for under the Tourist Traffic Acts, 1939-95.