David Andrews
Ceist:15 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if the programme for change as set out in the AD Little Report is now complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17037/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Report on Bord Fáilte.
Mr. O'Sullivan
In reply to previous questions on this subject on 5 October, the Minister outlined in detail the progress which had been made in the implementation of the changes recommended in the Arthur D. Little review of Bord Fáilte.
A new mission statement has been agreed for the board and a new organisational structure is being put in place. A new international marketing director with a proven track record in private industry now heads the International Marketing Division and a new general manager for Europe has been appointed. The board has recently advertised for up to 20 marketing executives and graduates to work in the development of overseas markets. Seventy employees approximately have left the organisation under the voluntary severance package which was agreed by the Government earlier this year.
In relation to the divesting of functions by the board, a contract is currently being finalised with Tourism Quality Services Limited, who were selected following a tendering process, to undertake the registration and grading functions for tourist accommodation. On the product approvals side a number of the key industry associations have been recognised by the board for the purpose of self-regulation.
The Tidy Towns competition is now being run by the Department of the Environment and a contract has been concluded with MAC publishing for the publication of the "Discover Ireland" brochure series. A steering group has been established to oversee the search for a partner for Gulliver — the electronic tourist information and reservations system developed jointly by Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
The implementation of the recommendations of the Arthur D. Little review of Bord Fáilte has resulted in a fundamental restructuring of the organisation in terms of its future role and relationship with the industry. The mandate for the new board is confirmed as international marketing and the organisation will be refocusing its resources on this key task while divesting itself of other non-core functions. As is evident from what I have said, the implementation of the change process is virtually complete.
The new direction now in place for Bord Fáilte is expected to result in the organisation having a more focused role in the promotion and development of Irish tourism, thereby helping to increase Ireland's share of the international tourism market.
My information from those who describe themselves as experts within the industry is that there is concern that the changes recommended are taking too long which, in the medium term, could damage the employment growth prospects of the tourism sector. Is the Minister of State telling the House that the restructuring of Bord Fáilte as set out in the Arthur D. Little review is almost complete?
Mr. O'Sullivan
Not quite complete.
What remains to be done?
Mr. O'Sullivan
In my reply I said that Bord Fáilte is at present recruiting staff, including graduates, with marketing expertise. As a Member who is not yet the father of the House but quite close to it, I am sure Deputy Andrews is well aware that those 70 former employees of Bord Fáilte served the country well. There was a very smooth transition. Many long-term employees availed of the voluntary severance package but new blood and new skills are being introduced which I hope will be in place before long.