asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism why one of the country's major hotel owners was appointed as chairman of Bord Fáilte; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord Fáilte Chairman.
12.
The appointment of the chairman of Bord Fáilte Éireann is a matter for the Minister of the day.
The present chairman was first appointed to that position in 1973 following a period of service as an ordinary board member. He has been reappointed on two occasions in 1976 and 1981. He is recognised both in Ireland and internationally as a leading figure in the tourism industry and throughout his period of office has brought to Bord Fáilte a high level of expertise which is being utilised in the public interest.
Is the Minister aware that Bord Fáilte have considerable moneys available to distribute to people involved in the tourist industry? Is he aware that £2,900,000 is given out by way of grants to those involved in tourism including hotels, guesthouses, golf courses and so on? Is he aware that £3.31 million was given out for the development of tourist accommodation and facilities in 1983? Does he not think that there would be a conflict of interest with regard to the allocation of these grants in that the chairman, Mr. P. V. Doyle, is also a major hotel owner?
On a point of order, is it proper to have individuals referred to here and implications made concerning possible relationships and sectional interests? It is fairly irregular to have this kind of question pursued in this manner.
We are talking about public money. It is taxpayers' money.
The inference is that the chairman of Bord Fáilte is in some way implicated in arrangements for the dispersal of that money which might not be proper. It is grossly unfair and unnecessary.
Let the Minister of State answer the question.
I am aware of the details of the grants which have been paid to hotels and other tourist developments. These are published for public consumption in the annual report of Bord Fáilte. If anybody wants to raise anything about them they are entitled to do so. I do not see that there should be a conflict between a member of Bord Fáilte Éireann and the grant structure. I am conscious of the high level of expertise that Bord Fáilte exercise in international and national promotions. I have no evidence that the chairman's position as chairman and as a major tourist developer is in conflict in any way.
I am sure the Minister is aware that figures are available in this regard. Is he aware that Bord Fáilte are engaged in the promotional area to attract special tour and convention groups, etc. to Ireland? Does he think there would be a conflict of interests in the major hotel owner in the country being chairman of Bord Fáilte? When hotels are closing down all over the country——
That question has already been answered.
——can he explain why only one man, the chairman of Bord Fáilte, is opening new hotels?
There would be fewer conferences held here if it was not for Mr. Doyle.
Is he a friend of Deputy Flynn's?
Yes, and I do not like the implication.
I do not see any conflict in relation to Bord Fáilte's promotions and the chairman's interest in the hotel industry.
Does the Minister agree that the input of private sector expertise into the development of the public sector is of vital importance for the development of the economy? Would he further agree that the chairman of Bord Fáilte has made a major contribution to the tourist industry through a range of world class hotels, especially in his latest acquisition in the city centre which has attracted many people to this country as it is acknowledged to be a very fine hotel?
I replied to that already in the latter part of my answer which gave recognition to this man's expertise in the tourist industry.