Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2011, Fáilte Ireland has specific powers and functions in relation to the registration and grading of tourist accommodation. In accordance with the legislation, certain types of accommodation, such as hotels and guesthouses are statutorily obliged to register, whereas other accommodation segments, such as B&Bs are not. In addition to the statutory regulation, Fáilte Ireland also offers a quality assurance approval and listing system for the non-statutory tourist accommodation segment. This is voluntary and includes, among others, smaller self-catering schemes, Irish home B&Bs and historic houses with accommodation. There are no plans at present to amend the current systems.
Were the mandatory registration scheme to be extended to cover other forms of accommodation, it would have to be self-financing. Given that such a system would require substantial administration and policing to be effective, the value of putting this in place is questionable. For small, seasonal businesses in particular, the potential administrative burden and associated costs of a mandatory registration scheme could adversely impact on their viability.
Fáilte Ireland has previously considered the matter of mandatory registration for B&Bs in particular. Although Northern Ireland operates a system of mandatory registration for B&Bs, research and international benchmarking by Fáilte Ireland has established that the registration of B&Bs is not standard practice internationally. Countries that are recognised for having a quality B&B product, such as England, Scotland, Wales, France and New Zealand, do not require mandatory registration.
On balance, I believe that the current approach is in keeping with best practice internationally and meets the needs of both the industry and the consumer.
