Jim Higgins
Question:38 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will outline the function of Tourism Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6697/01]
Priority Questions. - Tourism Promotion.
I congratulate the Deputies on their elevation to Sport and Tourism. I look forward to positive debates with them. Both are seriously affected by the foot and mouth situation. This is a £3 million industry and is suffering daily.
At the inaugural meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council in tourism sectoral format, in Belfast on 27 October 2000, the council agreed to establish the new all island tourism marketing company, Tourism Ireland Limited. The company was formally incorporated on 11 December 2000 and its board of directors was appointed on 19 December 2000.
The functions of the new company are set out in detail in its memorandum of association. The new company will have responsibility for tourism brand Ireland, strategic all-island destination marketing in all markets outside Ireland, international roll out of regional and product marketing programmes formulated by Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and operation of the overseas office network.
I am greatly impressed by the enthusiasm, energy and professionalism of the new board under the chairmanship of Andrew Coppel with Ann Riordan as vice-chair. They and their board have a challenging task in ensuring that the new company is bedded down and fully operational for the year 2002 tourism marketing season.
(Mayo): I thank the Minister for his kind words and I look forward to a constructive working relationship with him in the House.
Is it not a fact that we now have three bodies promoting tourism on the island – the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Bord Fáilte and Tourism Ireland? Why is there not a fully integrated tourist board promoting the island as a whole abroad?
The new tourism company was set up by Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. In the Good Friday Agreement it was agreed to establish a tourism company with responsibility for marketing the island of Ireland. The company has been set up by both tourist boards with responsibility for marketing Ireland on an all island destination basis. Both Ministers are responsible for the company.
The Deputy may be referring to recent newspaper articles. I was saddened by their attitude which does not reflect reality. The Deputy must understand that this is probably the finest board established with marketing ability. There is no overlap. In future, I assure the Deputy that this will not be the case.
(Mayo): Is the Minister aware that there is much concern about this new tourism body? The all-Ireland approach means that we are unable to emphasise our significant currency difference with sterling. Particularly US and UK tourists have a big advantage in coming here vis-à-vis the euro versus the dollar and pound sterling. This body cannot promote this as it would appear to be discriminating against one part of the island. Another currency advantage, for visitors from Germany and France, next in importance to the United States and Britain, cannot be emphasised either. Is the Minister aware that a Kerry independent Fianna Fáil councillor, Michael Donoghue, said that the all-Ireland approach of the new body disadvantages areas further south such as Kerry, which will lose out significantly?
It will be a matter for the board to decide about the currency matter, as will the marketing strategy. I remind the Deputy that the currency is not favourable to us or to France, Italy and Germany, countries the Deputy mentioned. It will be a matter for the board.
Kerry and southern parts of the country suffer too much congestion. Decongestion will benefit them and allow the regional policy to bring tourists to other areas where the product is equally valid. Regionalisation must be pursued.