Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 January 2015
1015. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he last met the chairperson and CEO of Tourism Ireland; the issues discussed; when he will met the chairperson and CEO next; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1383/15]
View answerFollowing my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in July 2014, I met the CEO of Tourism Ireland on the 7th of August and held a further meeting with both the Chairperson and CEO on 18 September. I have also met with the Chair and the CEO at a number of tourism related events including, for example, at the launch of Tourism Ireland’s 2015 Marketing Plans on 1st December last. Our discussions have focused primarily on overseas tourism performance and future prospects from our target markets.
As Tourism is a designated area of cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement, there are regular North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meetings in Tourism Sectoral format. As well as the Ministers' with responsibility for tourism in Ireland and Northern Ireland, these Sectoral meetings are also usually attended by both the Chair and CEO of Tourism Ireland. The next NSMC Tourism Sectoral meeting is scheduled for the 5th March 2015 and amongst the likely agenda items are the formal approval of Tourism Ireland’s 2015 Business Plan.
