Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Tourism Quality Services.
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:
33
Mr. E. Byrne
asked the
Minister for Tourism and Trade
the methods by which he intends to ensure maintenance of standards in view of the sub-contracting of accommodation grading functions to a third-party inspector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1452/96]
Máirín Quill
Ceist:
34
Miss Quill
asked the
Minister for Tourism and Trade
if he will give details of the contract recently awarded to Tourism Quality Services.
[1479/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
One of the major changes arising from the Arthur D. Little consultancy review of Bord Fáilte was the decision to subcontract to a commercial third party, certain of the board's inspection and associated functions in relation to the registration and grading of tourist accommodation and the certification of restaurants under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988.
Following an open publicly advertised tendering procedure conducted in accordance with EU rules, Tourism Quality Services Ltd, was selected to undertake the functions being subcontracted. A contract for a period of five years has now been signed between Bord Fáilte and Tourism Quality Services (Ireland) Ltd., an Irish subsidiary which has been established to carry out the work. The company, which is based in Dublin, has recruited locally.
Tourism Quality Services (Ireland) Ltd. will undertake inspections and related functions in relation to the registration and grading-classification of hotels, guesthouses, caravan and camping sites, holiday cottages and holiday apartments (group schemes above eight units only), and the registration of holiday hostels, youth hostels and holiday camps. In addition, the company will issue certificates to restaurants applying for liquor licences under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988.
Under the new arrangements, Bord Fáilte will continue to retain ownership of the registration and grading standards, which means it will continue to set the criteria for registration and grading and to prescribe the various fees involved by regulation made, with the consent of the Minister for Tourism and Trade, under the provisions of the Tourist Traffic Acts, 1939-1995. Bord Fáilte will also continue to retain responsibility for the operation of the final stages of the appeals mechanism provided for under the Acts, when applications for registration and renewal of registration are refused and in the case of cancellation of registration. They will be involved too in the final stages of the apeals mechanism for grading of accommodation. Bord Fáilte will also monitor the performance of the contractor. All other aspects of the inspection process will, in future, be undertaken by the third party.
I am acutely conscious of the importance of maintaining high quality standards for tourist accommodation. Providing a product of the highest quality is a fundamental objective of Government policy for the development of the tourism sector. I assure the House that there is no reason to believe that the changes which have now taken place will adversely affect standards. The key roles being retained by Bord Fáilte in the registration, grading and certification process will be critical in ensuring that it maintains tight control on the standards and procedures to be used while being relieved of the more routine physical inspection procedures.
