Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 2

Written Answers. - Great Southern Hotel Group.

Ivan Yates

Question:

309 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his attention has been drawn to the sectoral contribution to tourism made by the Great Southern Hotel Group in relation to staff training and standards of pay and service for employees and customers; if he will consider a situation whereby CERT might resume ownership of this group in order to maintain its pivotal role in the sector in relation to the review of the future of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the recent Aer Rianta report into the future of the group. [11626/99]

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

The future of the Great Southern Hotel Group is linked to future policy in relation to Aer Rianta, of which the group is currently a subsidiary. As the Deputy is aware a report on the future strategic direction of Aer Rianta was submitted to the Minister for Public Enterprise in mid April. I understand the Minister, Deputy O'Rourke is studying the contents of the report and is taking appropriate advice, and that she will be making recommendations to Government on the range of options for Aer Rianta including the future of the Great Southern Hotel Group. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to speculate or comment on the matter.