asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if any reorganisation of the regional tourism boards is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Regional Tourism Boards Review.
6.
I am at present reviewing existing institutional structures to facilitate development of Irish tourism and realisation of its full economic potential. The role, size and composition of the boards of regional tourism organisations are among the items being addressed in this review.
I welcome the Minister's statement in that regard. I would like to say that in the local areas interest has been shown and development is taking place and it is imperative that changes in the structures take place to meet that situation. How soon can we expect to have such change?
The study of the structures should be completed in the not too distant future. I would like to indicate to the Deputy that many of the people who have advised on it, including Price Waterhouse, the forum, the task force, etc., think that most of the boards are too large in numbers. The local authorities usually make a contribution and, rightly, then expect to have representation on the regional tourism organisations. The size of the boards is one of the major problems that must be settled in the reorganisation.
May I ask the Minister if he is satisfied with the way SFADCo are not operating separate and independent of Bord Fáilte in the interests of the mid-west region?
I am absolutely confident that SFADCo are pushing their own tourism area very strongly and marketing very aggressively in that area.
While the Minister may be satisfied that they are pushing the mid-west region aggressively, is he satisfied that they have the means and the finance available to them to push the region to the same extent as Bord Fáilte have to push the rest of the country?
I am quite confident that that is so and I am satisfied that the relationship between Bord Fáilte and SFADCo in the tourism area is a very good one.