I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 21 and 59 together.
As the Deputies are aware Bord Fáilte Éireann is the executive agency responsible for promoting and developing tourist traffic in and to the State, through implementation of Government policy. It is a statutory body and its powers and functions are set out in the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-95. It is run by a board of directors appointed by the Minister for Tourism and Trade with the consent of the Minister for Finance and it is responsible to the Department of Tourism and Trade in respect of its use of Exchequer funds in pursuing its activities.
Implementation of the recommendations of the Arthur D. Little review of Bord Fáilte in 1995-96 marked the most recent major change in its structures. This has resulted in a much more focused and dynamic organisation which is now concentrating on its core activity of marketing Ireland as a tourist destination.
For some time, the board has been working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Tourism Board and with the tourism industry North and South in promoting the island of Ireland as a holiday destination, most recently in advancing the roll-out of the new brand Ireland in our key markets abroad.
Shannon Development, on the other hand, promotes development of the tourism sector in the mid-west region, a role similar to that of the regional tourism authorities. It reports to the Department of Tourism and Trade on tourism issues and funds are provided through my Department's Vote to help defray its tourism administration and general expenses.