David Andrews
Ceist:20 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the role of the Tourism Council; the members of the Tourism Council; the bodies or interests it represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourism Council.
Mr. O'Sullivan
The role of the Tourism Council is twofold: to act as a national forum for consultation with the tourism industry and to act in an advisory capacity to me as Minister on tourism policy and its implementation by the State agencies.
The council has 26 members covering a range of tourism interests, both geographically and sectorally. I propose to circulate a schedule in the Official Report containing the names and representation of each of the members of the council.
The current Tourism Council, which will operate for a period of two years, held its inaugural meeting, which the Minister, Deputy Kenny, chaired, on 4 April last. I look forward to future discussions in the council on the key strategic issues which the industry is likely to face as we approach the new millennium.
New Tourism Council
1. Ministers' nominees
Mr. Tony Brazil, Travel Agent
Ms Liz Fahy, Hotel Sector
Mr. Paul Fitzpatrick, Hotel Sector
Ms Eileen Gavin, Catering
Mr. Diarmuid V. Kenneally, Caravaning
Mr. David Lowther, Travel Agent
Mr. Vincent O'Mahoney, Retailer
Mr. Joe O'Reilly, Tour Operator
Mr. Jim White, Hotel Sector
2. Irish Tourist Industry Confederation nominees
Mr. John Duffy, Aer Lingus
Ms Helen Gallivan, Stena Sealink
Mr. Brendan Leahy, ITIC
Ms Mary McGee, Town & Country Homes
Mr. Pat McCann, Irish Hotels Federation
Mr. Bob Prole, Car Rental Council
Mr. Kevin Shannon, Tour Operator
3. Bord Fáilte
Mr. Padraig O'hUiginn
Mr. Matt McNulty
4. Shannon Development
Mr. Kevin Thompstone
5. CERT
Mr. Raymund O'Connor
6. ICTU
Mr. Jack Nash
7. Chambers of Commerce
Mr. Michael Spellman
8. Regional Tourism
Mr. Frank Magee
9. Departments
Dept. of Tourism and Trade, Mr. Paul Bates Dept. of Transport, Energy and Communications, Ms Doreen Keaney
Dept. of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht/OPW, Mr. Dermot Burke.
Will the Minister of State tell the House the number of times these councils meet?
Mr. O'Sullivan
Three or four times per annum.
Are there subcommittees in operation?
Mr. O'Sullivan
A special subcommittee was set up under the previous council to deal with manpower requirements under the chairmanship of Mr. Peter Malone of Jury's. To date, no subcommittee has been set up under the new council.