asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the substantial environmental content defined in the new tourism plan prepared by Bord Fáilte, he and members of the staff of his Department have been consulted by Bord Fáilte on this plan; and, if so, the proposals or recommendations his Department will be making to local authorities around the country, in order to advance the objectives of the plan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourism Plan.
21.
My Department were consulted by Bord Fáilte at the drafting stage but the assessment of the potential tourism prospects and implications contained in the plan, in so far as that may be necessary, is primarily a matter for the Department of Tourism and Transport. Bord Fáilte approached local authorities directly on measures to advance the objectives of the plan and have not requested my Department to make proposals or recommendations to local authorities in the matter.
In view of the change in the title of the Department to the Department of the Environment, would the Minister consider it useful, having regard to the tourism development plan published by Bord Fáilte, to issue a circular to the various local authorities asking those who have not co-operated fully yet with the board to do so, particularly those local authorities now in the process of revising their plans? In the process of reviewing these development plans himself, would the Minister have regard to the tourism content or impact of each plan?
That is what I am saying. The board have consulted my Department and the direct responsibility lies with the Department of Tourism and Transport. The question of issuing a circular to local authorities will be considered.
The point in raising supplementaries is that, while direct responsibility for tourism may rest with another Department, if we are to take the answer to the previous questions in the spirit in which they were given, the Minister opposite is responsible directly for the environment which is the basis of the tourist industry. I am simply asking that the Minister recognises the implications of the title "Minister for the Environment" and implement his responsibilities regarding development plans and tourism.
I recognise my responsibility in this area. I have told the Deputy that Bord Fáilte made direct approaches to local authorities also on these matters.
But is the Minister accepting that he has any responsibility for tourism?
Of course, I have such responsibility.
That is what I want to hear.