John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 84 together.

As I previously advised the House in response to a similar question on 1 March, individual actions and measures relating to tourism promotion or development at regional level are day-to-day functions of the State tourism agencies.

As the Deputies are aware, Fáilte Ireland commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers just over a year ago to conduct a major study of regional tourism structures. The report was published last year and is available on the Fáilte Ireland website. This work was supplemented by a short engagement, facilitated by a small independent group chaired by Mr. John Travers, with the relevant parties in order to satisfy interests in the Dublin region that the mechanisms of consultation were complete.

The PWC report highlights the need for a much wider brief for regional tourism, with more emphasis on its strategic rather than administrative role and contributing more directly to national policy. It recommends a greatly increased emphasis on targeted marketing, product development and enterprise support. It suggests establishing an integrated linkage between regional tourism strategy and national policy and exploiting avenues in order to leverage increased resources.

At the end of July last, I authorised Fáilte Ireland to proceed with the proposed revision of regional tourism structures on the basis of the PWC and Travers reports. To assist this process, Fáilte Ireland set up an implementation group under the chairmanship of Mr. Finbarr Flood. The group has completed an extensive process of engagement with the existing regional tourism authorities, industry representative groups and other relevant parties, to smooth the process of implementation. I understand the group recently presented its report to Fáilte Ireland and that Fáilte Ireland is now acting on its contents.

I also understand that Fáilte Ireland has begun the process of gearing up its own internal structures to line up with the proposed new structures at regional level. A new senior management position of director of regional development has been created and applications to fill the post have been invited in the national press. A due diligence process with each of the RTAs is almost complete.

Fáilte Ireland has advised me that it expects the changes will be implemented in the regions by the end of the summer.

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