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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 5

Written Answers. - National Tourism Development Authority.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

96 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when it is envisaged the proposed national tourism development authority will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19083/02]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

254 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the tourism development authority board will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15490/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 254 together.

Last November the Government approved the creation of a new national tourism development authority whose remit will include the promotion of training, human resource and marketing skills development in the tourism industry and other functions currently carried out by Bord Fáilte and CERT. This is one of the key tourism commitments in An Agreed Programme for Government.

The new authority can build on the proven knowledge, skills and experience of Bord Fáilte and CERT and combine these to create new synergies that will provide a highly effective institutional arrangement to support the continued development of Irish tourism and help meet the new challenges the sector faces at this time.

The Government has also approved the drafting of a Bill to provide the statutory basis for the new authority. The text of the National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002, is being prepared in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. Subject to approval by Government, I expect to present it to Dáil Éireann and circulate it to Deputies within the next few weeks. The Bill will form part of the Government's legislative programme for the current Dáil session.

Meanwhile, on 4 July, I established an interim board, which is charged with the task of putting in place advance arrangements for the new authority so that it may be operational in time for the 2003 tourist season. The board has an independent chairman and includes the chairpersons and some existing members of the board of Bord Fáilte and the council of CERT, as well as a departmental representative. The interim board has already established a detailed specification and job description for the post of chief executive officer designate for the new authority and arrangements for the recruitment and appointment of a suitable candidate to the position are well advanced.
Given the progress achieved to date and with the co-operation of both Houses, I am confident that the new authority should be in place in time for the 2003 tourist season.
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 85.
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