Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
677. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make it obligatory for all guest houses and bed and brerakfasts to be registered with Fáilte Ireland approved agencies in order to ensure a high standard in the provision of tourist accomodation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49425/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2011, Fáilte Ireland has specific powers and functions in relation to the registration and grading of tourist accommodation. In accordance with this legislation, Guesthouses are obliged to register, however B&Bs are not. The matter of mandatory registration of B&Bs has been considered on many previous occasions. However,the view has been that the potential administrative burden and the associated cost of a mandatory registration scheme for B&Bs - many of whom are small and seasonal businesses - could adversely impact on their viability. Furthermore, research and international benchmarking by Fáilte Ireland has established that the registration of B&Bs is not standard practice internationally. Countries which are recognised for having a quality B&B product, such as England, Scotland, Wales, France and New Zealand, do not require mandatory registration.
Fáilte Ireland has been working in recent years with the sector on the establishment of a voluntary classification and categorisation system, supported by a new brand that,over time,should be readily identifiable to domestic and international tourists, allowing them to choose an establishment that meets their individual expectations in terms of facilities and standards.
It is Fáilte Ireland's view that the best approach to support the development of the sector is to ensure that voluntarily listed and approved B&Bs have advantages over those who choose not to carry Fáilte Ireland accreditation. In this regard,it is important to point out that unapproved unlisted operators are obliged to comply in the same way as the approved listed sector with requirements in the area of taxation, planning, fire and safety and hygiene. On the other hand, they do not have access to official marketing through Discover Ireland and the Tourist Information Offices, nor do they have access to the various training and business skills initiatives that are available to the approved sector.
