Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 8 Mar 2000

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

Billy Timmins

Question:

15 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the recent discussions, if any, he has had with the chief executive of Bord Fáilte with respect to the current regional structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7062/00]

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

The regional tourism authorities were established by Bord Fáilte under the Tourist Traffic Acts for the promotion and development of tourism on a regional basis. In line with the commitment set out in the Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium, Bord Fáilte initiated a review of the RTAs during 1999, carried out on their behalf by Fitzpatrick Associates.

The objective was to review the role and operations of the RTAs and recommend how they could optimally contribute to the achievement of national tourism objectives and targets set by the Government in line with Bord Fáilte's strategic plan, while taking into account regional priorities and customer focus. The consultants met with my Department and a number of other agencies and bodies during the course of their assignment.

The chairman of Bord Fáilte forwarded to me a copy of the review together with the board's view on its recommendations for my consideration. This consideration has also to take into account implications for the RTAs of the tourism provisions in the recently published national development plan and soon to be completed operational programmes, and of the possibilities for an all-island institutional structure for international tourism marketing as envisaged under the Good Friday Agreement.

In December last, I wrote to this effect to the chairman of the board. Subsequent discussions between officials from my Department and Bord Fáilte are likely to be concluded shortly which will identify issues to be addressed directly to the RTAs as the next phase of the review process.