Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 1

Written Answers - Tourism Training.

Ivor Callely

Question:

384 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the consideration he has given to putting in place an appropriate system to ensure all tourist operators and tourist guides have the required knowledge and other supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3507/99]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

CERT, the State tourism training agency, provides a comprehensive tour guide training programme for persons wishing to become national tour guides. This programme is certified by the National Tourism Certification Board and is a pre-requisite for approval as a national tour guide. CERT also provides tour guide training for Dublin city guides, driver guides and local guides throughout the country. In addition, when requested, CERT provides customised training programmes for incoming tour operators.

Development work has recently commenced on a travel agency programme which would facilitate first level employment in travel agencies. Discussions between CERT and the Irish Travel Agencies Association are continuing on the programme and it will be implemented at craft level in the institutes of technology when approved.