Vol. 254 No. 11
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will give details in respect of Bord Fáilte of restructuring and reorganisation and any other changes which have been carried out over the past 12 months; and whether further changes are contemplated.
6.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of examinations and investigations into the operation of Bord Fáilte carried out over the past 12 months; and the outcome of these investigations.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
Following the enactment of the Tourist Traffic Act, 1970, I appointed two additional members to the Board of Bord Fáilte in September last to enlarge the expertise and experience available at that level. The internal structure and organisation of Bord Fáilte are matters for the board, and it is the responsibility of the board to undertake periodic reviews of the organisation and operations so as to keep abreast of changing circumstances and to take advantage of developing opportunities. I am aware that a comprehensive review of organisation and activities was carried out by the board within the past year and certain changes have been introduced with a view to achieving the most advantageous allocation of Bord Fáilte funds and the maximum effectiveness and economy of the board's operations.
In view of what the Minister has said, that the new structuring was a matter for Bord Fáilte, is he aware that the Minister for Transport and Power announced in this House last July that he had asked Bord Fáilte to carry out restructuring and re-organisation and, in fact, he has since announced that he has had a number of meetings with them? My intention in asking these questions was to try to get some specific detailed information as to what in fact has been done. The Minister's reply is vague and gives no real information at all. What has been done, for example, in the marketing section in the last 12 months? Would the Minister give us full details? Have new staff been appointed? Have the vacant posts in the marketing section been filled?
The Deputy should be aware that Bord Fáilte have been undertaking various examinations of their organisation and as the Deputy should know already the deputy director general was made responsible to the director general for overall planning and for the most effective allocation of funds. I understand that Bord Fáilte have received a report from a particular group in regard to other matters in relation to their organisation. They have also commissioned a number of studies from outside consultants into such matters as future accommodation requirements and marketing strategy.
Can the Minister say whether a number of key positions in the marketing division, both at home and abroad, which were left vacant for a long time have now been filled?
That I cannot say. I have not got that information.
I will ask another question about that.
