Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
1641. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the roles of former regional tourism authorities been integrated into Fáilte Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31904/15]
View answer1643. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way Fáilte Ireland fulfils its regional tourism development functions in the Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31906/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1641 and 1643 together.
Fáilte Ireland was established under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003. Its primary functions are the development of quality tourism product, domestic tourism marketing, tourism standards, enterprise support, capability building and human resource development for the tourism industry.
Most of the regional tourism authorities were dissolved in 2006 and their staff, assets and responsibilities transferred to Fáilte Ireland. In keeping with those reforms and the Government's programme for the rationalisation of State agencies, Dublin Tourism was dissolved in 2012 and its staff, assets and responsibilities transferred to Fáilte Ireland. Finally, responsibility for Shannon Development's tourism activities, and the related staff and assets, was transferred to Fáilte Ireland in 2013. Accordingly, Fáilte Ireland has operational responsibility for the development of tourism regionally, including in Cork, whereas Tourism Ireland is operationally responsible for overseas tourism marketing.
With regard to Fáilte Ireland's tourism development activities in the Cork region, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from the agency in ten days.
