Vol. 488 No. 7
52 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the structures, if any, that exist to enable tourist promoters to make contact and develop a good working relationship with his Department on matters of mutual interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7136/98]
My Department's functions in the tourism area relate mainly to the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of policy. Execution of policy is a matter primarily for the main State agencies such as Bord Fáilte, CERT and Shannon Development. The Tourism Council, which I chair, is made up of representatives of the industry, the State agencies and relevant Government Departments. The council acts as a national forum for consultation on tourism issues, and in an advisory capacity to me as Minister.
Industry involvement is also a prominent feature of the arrangements for the operation of the EU Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994 to 1999, and the overseas tourism marketing initiative. In summary, I am satisfied that the existing structures in place between my Department and the sector are such as to facilitate a good working relationship on matters of mutual interest.
