Denis Naughten
Question:4 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the role and membership of the new North-South body on tourism. [2866/00]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - North-South Tourism Body.
Tourism has been identified as one of six areas suitable for enhanced co-operation through the mechanism of existing bodies as envisaged under strand two of the Good Friday Agreement. It has been agreed that a publicly owned limited company will be established by Bord Fáilte and the Northern Irish Tourist Board to provide the following functions: planning and delivering international tourism marketing programmes, including programmes in partnership with the industry North and South; publication and dissemination in overseas markets, of information of a balanced and comprehensive nature on the island of Ireland as a tourist destination, which must reflect the diverse traditions, forms of cultural expression and identities within the island; market research, provision of information and other appropriate assistance to help the industry develop international marketing expertise; co-operation with, consulting and assisting other bodies or associations in carrying out those activities; and carrying out surveys and collecting relevant statistics and information.
At its inaugural plenary meeting, which was held in Armagh on 13 December 1999, the North-South Minister Council, agreed, inter alia, an outline programme of work in regard to each of the six areas for co-operation as a basis for follow-up by the relevant Ministers in the appropriate sectoral format.
A number of practical issues relating to the new tourism company, including its membership, will be considered by the NSMC when it meets in its tourism sectoral format. I very much hope that the necessary decisions can be taken quickly.
Will the new body subsume the role of the OTMI? If so, does that not imply that industry nominees should be appointed to this new publicly owned, limited company? Will such nominees be appointed and will ministerial nominees be appointed?
The OTMI's contract ended on 31 December 1999. However, it has continued to operate because the new company has not been established under the new implementation bodies. With regard to the Deputy's second question, a board has yet to be established and we have yet to meet our Northern counterparts to discuss the composition of the board. As I pointed out earlier, I am hopeful that the tourism industry, North and South, as it did in respect of the OTMI, will play a significant role in that regard. I have yet to discuss this with Mr. Empey but it is my intention that a number of those appointed will be ministerial nominees.
Is the Minister stating that, similar to the OTMI, sectoral interests will be able to appoint representatives? Is that the plan at this stage?
Yes.
Given the difficulties which have arisen in respect of the Northern Ireland Executive, will the establishment of the new publicly owned company be jeopardised? If the answer is in the affirmative, has consideration been given to the re-establishment of the OTMI?
All the implementation bodies and the tourism company will be affected by the emerging situation. Fortunately, we are still seeking a solution to those difficulties. Any breakdown would certainly have implications and would delay the establishment of the tourism company. However, I have made provision for the OTMI to continue to operate until such time as the new company is set up. A suspension of the Executive would lead to the postponement of the new company's establishment.