Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 2

Written Answers. - Bord Fáilte's Role.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

23 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if his attention has been drawn to recent comments by the new Director General of Bord Fáilte that it will now become an economic agency with the two principal tasks of generating revenue from tourism and job creation; if these proposals have been discussed with his Department; his response to the plans; the implications, if any, they may have for the general promotion of tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. McCreevy)

I am, of course, aware of the comments referred to by the Deputy which were made by the Director General at the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation's National Conference on 4 May last.

TheProgramme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997, sets out ambitious targets for the tourism industry in terms of increasing foreign earnings and providing additional employment. Board Fáilte has a major part to play in the achievement of these targets, and my Department is at present involved in consultations with the board on its role, in the development of Irish tourism to the end of this decade.