Bernard J. Durkan
Question:117 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action he proposes to take to ensure the competitiveness of the tourist industry in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31872/03]
Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the main obstacles to competitiveness in the tourist industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31878/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 123 together.
As already indicated, in response to Question No. 83 on 18 November last, the Tourism Policy Review Group identified competitiveness and value for money as one of the key strategic drivers of success for Irish tourism and listed some ten specific actions to deliver the strategy. These require responses from both the private and public sectors, and the list includes proposals in relation to taking responsibility for restoring competitiveness, inflation, benchmarking, customer relations, management capability, high standards for competitive advantage and training.
None of the ten specific recommendations on competitiveness listed in the report is directed to me or to my Department. However, as I see it, my primary role is to ensure that a coherent action plan is implemented quickly and effectively. To this end, I am close to finalising the composition and membership of the high level group to implement the tourism action plan recommended by the Tourism Policy Review Group and I expect to make an announcement in the very near future.
Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 14.