Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a representative for workers in the tourism industry will be appointed to the tourism recovery task force (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15385/20]
View answerThe Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established on 20 May 2020. The purpose of the Taskforce is to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and will report back later this year. It has already submitted an Initial Report to Government on what it sees as priority measures for the survival of the tourism sector.
The Taskforce is made up of an independent chairperson and 13 other members from a broad spectrum of backgrounds including tourism policy, tourism enterprise, international, private and public service. The members were selected on the basis of each person's capacity to bring his/her personal knowledge, skills, experience, competence, capability, strategic leadership and ideas to the work of the group. The individuals appointed will work together for the good of Irish Tourism as a whole.
The Taskforce has already undertaken a widespread stakeholder consultation process whereby all sectors and interested parties could provide constructive inputs and innovative ideas on how this vital sector to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way. As I understand it, the Taskforce will continue to engage with stakeholders as it seeks to finalise its work over the coming months.
