Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

43 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, taken to fulfil the commitments made in An Action Programme for the Millennium to upgrade regional tourism organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15483/99]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

50 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the discussions, if any, his Department has had with An Bord Fáilte with respect to the regional boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15510/99]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 50 together.

In line with the commitment set out in the Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium, Bord Fáilte, at my request, initiated a review earlier this year of the regional tourism authorities which were established by the board under the tourist traffic Acts for the promotion and development of tourism on a regional basis.

The objective is to review the role and operations of the regional tourism authorities and recommend how they can optimally contribute to the achievement of national tourism objectives and targets set by Government in line with the focus of Bord Fáilte's strategic plan and taking into account regional priorities and customer focus.

Bord Fáilte is being assisted by independent consultants and the review is expected to be completed this summer. My Department has met the consultants as part of the review process.

In relation to the question of regional boundaries I assume the Deputy is referring to the boundaries of the regional tourism authorities and this is one of the many issues which is being examined as part of the above mentioned review.