Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
550. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has contacted Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland regarding a recent report on the overlapping tourism strategies of the two agencies. [43642/19]
View answerI, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, determine tourism policy and, supported by my officials, I provide the strategic direction to the tourism agencies that is required to support the growth of a competitive and sustainable tourism industry. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, operating under the aegis of my Department, implement tourism policy. It is essential that the tourism agencies work collaboratively to maximise efficiencies and outputs, and provide the best possible service to industry and to the consumer in line with Government policy priorities.
My Department engages regularly with the agencies on governance matters, including matters relating to the agencies’ strategies. Recently, my Department carried out a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Tourism Marketing Fund. My officials are engaging with both tourism agencies on the outputs from that review with a view to maintaining, and improving where possible, the effectiveness of the Tourism Marketing Fund, having due regard to Tourism Ireland’s status as a North-South body.
