Vol. 511 No. 4
32 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his Department has received a copy of the report commissioned by Bord Fáilte on an examination of the regional structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24473/99]
34 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has to carry out a review of the role and functions of the regional tourism organisations. [24256/99]
37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if his Department made a submission to a consultancy firm (details supplied) which was given the task by Bord Fáilte of carrying out a review of the tourism regional structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24474/99]
I propose taking Questions Nos. 32, 34 and 37 together.
The regional tourism authorities, were established by Bord Fáilte, under the tourist traffic Acts, for the promotion and development of tourism on a regional basis. 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 of the RTAs earlier this year, carried out on their behalf by Fitzpatrick Associates.
The objective was to review the role and operations of the RTAs and recommend how they could optimally contribute to the achievement of national tourism objectives and targets set by the Government in line with Bord Fáilte's strategic plan, while taking into account regional priorities and customer focus. My Department, along with other agencies and bodies, met the consultants during the course of the assignment.
The chairman of Bord Fáilte has forwarded to me a copy of the review together with the board's view on its recommendations, for my consideration. This consideration will also take into account the implications, for the RTAs, of the tourism provision in the recently published national development plan, and of proposals for new all-island institutional structures for international tourism marketing under the Good Friday Agreement. Under the terms of the statement of 18 December 1998 issued by the First and Deputy First Ministers, the intention is that a new all-island tourism company is to be established by Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to provide a range of services in the international marketing area.
