Dáil Éireann - Volume 465 - 21 May, 1996

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourism Council.

Mr. Andrews Mr. Andrews

20. Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the role of the Tourism Council; the members of the Tourism Council; the bodies or interests it represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/96]

Mr. O'Sullivan Mr. O'Sullivan

Mr. O'Sullivan: The role of the Tourism Council is twofold: to act as a national forum for consultation with the tourism industry and to act in an advisory capacity to me as Minister on tourism policy and its implementation by the State agencies.

The council has 26 members covering a range of tourism interests, both geographically and sectorally. I propose to circulate a schedule in the Official Report containing the names and representation of each of the members of the council.

The current Tourism Council, which will operate for a period of two years, held its inaugural meeting, which the Minister, Deputy Kenny, chaired, on 4 April last. I look forward to future discussions in the council on the key strategic issues which the industry is likely to face as we approach the new millennium.

New Tourism Council

1. Ministers' nominees

Mr. Tony Brazil, Travel Agent

Ms Liz Fahy, Hotel Sector

Mr. Paul Fitzpatrick, Hotel Sector

Ms Eileen Gavin, Catering

Mr. Diarmuid V. Kenneally, Caravaning

Mr. David Lowther, Travel Agent

Mr. Vincent O'Mahoney, Retailer

Mr. Joe O'Reilly, Tour Operator

Mr. Jim White, Hotel Sector

2. Irish Tourist Industry Confederation nominees

Mr. John Duffy, Aer Lingus

Ms Helen Gallivan, Stena Sealink

Mr. Brendan Leahy, ITIC

1508

[1508] Ms Mary McGee, Town & Country Homes

Mr. Pat McCann, Irish Hotels Federation

Mr. Bob Prole, Car Rental Council

Mr. Kevin Shannon, Tour Operator

3. Bord Fáilte

Mr. Padraig O'hUiginn

Mr. Matt McNulty

4. Shannon Development

Mr. Kevin Thompstone

5. CERT

Mr. Raymund O'Connor

6. ICTU

Mr. Jack Nash

7. Chambers of Commerce

Mr. Michael Spellman

8. Regional Tourism

Mr. Frank Magee

9. Departments

Dept. of Tourism and Trade, Mr. Paul Bates Dept. of Transport, Energy and Communications, Ms Doreen Keaney

Dept. of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht/OPW, Mr. Dermot Burke.

Mr. Andrews Mr. Andrews

Mr. Andrews: Will the Minister of State tell the House the number of times these councils meet?

Mr. O'Sullivan Mr. O'Sullivan

Mr. O'Sullivan: Three or four times per annum.

Mr. Killeen Mr. Killeen

Mr. Killeen: Are there subcommittees in operation?

Mr. O'Sullivan Mr. O'Sullivan

Mr. O'Sullivan: A special subcommittee was set up under the previous council to deal with manpower requirements under the chairmanship of Mr. Peter Malone of Jury's. To date, no subcommittee has been set up under the new council.

Dáil Éireann 465 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Tourism Council.

Questions

19960521