Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2001

Vol. 533 No. 6

Written Answers. - Tourism Ireland Limited.

Enda Kenny

Question:

411 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the remit and responsibilities of the new body, Tourism Ireland Limited; the budget allocated to the new body for 2001-02; if a chief executive has been appointed; the location of its head office and sub offices; the relationship between Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Bord Fáilte; the way in which the overall budget is to be allocated as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9875/01]

Enda Kenny

Question:

412 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the marketing strategy to be employed by Tourism Ireland Limited in promoting Ireland as an international destination, in view of the differing values of the euro which will obtain in Northern Ireland as against the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9876/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.

At the inaugural meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council in tourism sectoral format held in Belfast on 27 October 2000, the Council agreed to the establishment of the new all-island tourism marketing company, Tourism Ireland Limited, TIL. 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. In summary, the new company will have responsibility for Tourism Brand Ireland, strategic all-island destination marketing in all markets outside the island of 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. The principles underlying the relationship between TIL, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Bord Fáilte are set out in a memorandum of understanding agreed between the two Departments in October 2000.

The outline programme budget of TIL has been set at IR£21 million per annum. The company's headquarters will be located in Dublin with a regional office in Coleraine. The recruitment process for the post of chief executive is at an advanced stage and the board hopes to be in a position to make an appointment very soon. In the meantime, preparatory work is progressing on the company's marketing programme for the 2002 season. The specific strategy to be employed within that programme is an operational matter for the board of TIL.

Question No. 413 answered with Question No. 399.