Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Staff Transfer.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

50 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the position regarding the transfer of staff from Bord Fáilte to the new cross-Border body, Tourism Ireland Limited; the number of Irish based and foreign based staff who have transferred to date; if agreement has been reached regarding terms and working conditions for the staff who are transferring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2537/02]

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

Tourism Ireland Limited, the new all-island tourism marketing body established under the framework of the Good Friday Agreement, was formally launched in November last year at major events in Dublin and Belfast. On that occasion the company outlined details of its marketing programme for 2002 and released details of its new advertising and media promotional materials. Tourism Ireland Limited formally took over responsibility from Bord Fáilte for the international marketing of Ireland as and from the beginning of the year. Bord Fáilte staff due to transfer have in the interim been carrying out the work of Tourism Ireland.

I understand from the company that the number of staff in Tourism Ireland will rise to 57 in February. Of these, 25 are based in Ireland and the balance are based overseas. I am informed that the 57 comprise 14 who have already transferred, 20 whose letters of appointment are being finalised and 23 direct recruits who have accepted offers of appointment or are in the final stage of acceptance.

The total number of staff who will be employed by Tourism Ireland in 2002 will be about 150, after all formal transfers take place from Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Negotiations with staff and their representatives on matters connected with the transfer of staff, including terms of appointment, are at an advanced stage. Discussions have been very detailed due to a number of factors including the complexities of transferring staff in 15 jurisdictions worldwide; the merging of the overseas marketing activities of Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in a number of the principal markets; compliance by Tourism Ireland with local regulations for conducting business in the various jurisdictions; the application of relevant local employment legislation; and the superannuation provisions for transferred staff and those recruited directly.

Most of this work is now at an advanced stage and an early conclusion of the discussions and completion of formal transfers is anticipated. The ongoing work being carried out by the staff concerned has been extremely effective in developing and launching the overseas marketing programme in what will be a very challenging year for the tourist industry.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 49.