Tony Killeen
Ceist:26 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if implementation of the proposals of the Arthur D. Little report will result in redundancies in Bord Fáilte; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5886/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord Fáilte Review.
Implementation of the Arthur D. Little review of Bord Fáilte will require approximately 60 fence staff. As recruitment of 20 new staff with industry experience and marketing skills is envisaged to revitalise the organisation, the number of people leaving the Bord could be as high as 80.
In meetings with staff representatives, I have confirmed undertakings given by my predecessor that there will be no compulsory redundancies. The Government has recently agreed the terms of a voluntary severance package and the terms have now been offered to staff.
What will be the role of SFADCo, the regional tourism organisation, following the implementation of the report? What effect will it have on the product development roles of both Bord Fáilte and SFADCo?
The Deputy's question was if there would be compulsory redundancies in Bord Fáilte following the implementation of the proposals of the Arthur D. Little report, and I have answered that. If the Deputy puts down a specific question on SFADCo at a later date I will be prepared to deal with it.
I understand the product development role of Bord Fáilte is one of the elements affected by the Arthur D. Little report. While I welcome the Minister's assurance that there will be no compulsory redundancies, some of the 80 staff mentioned by the Minister may be affected by the change in its product development role.
The Deputy's question refers to the implementation of the proposals of the Arthur D. Little report and redundancies in Bord Fáilte. I answered him by stating that the number of people leaving the board could be as high as 80. A voluntary severance package, recently approved by the Government, has been put before the staff and we are awaiting a response in terms of take-up. The issue of product management boards will be dealt with under a later question.
Having regard to their experience, will the staff who are let go under this package be eligible to apply for previous Bord Fáilte jobs which, effectively, will now be in the private sector?
There will be no compulsory redundancies from Bord Fáilte. It is not a question of letting people go but of people accepting the voluntary severance package offered by the Government. Regarding people who accept the voluntary severance package and decide to work in the future, we will await the results of tenders for the work.
Is the Minister satisfied that he and his Department have a sufficient role to play in monitoring inspection and other procedures that will be farmed out following the implementation of the recommendations of the Arthur D. Little report?
The Deputy will be aware that it is the function of the Department to lay down policy and ensure it is implemented by Bord Fáilte. I am satisfied that there will be competent monitoring of the position.