John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

Neither the Minister nor Fáilte Ireland require the consent of any regional tourism authority to enable that authority to be disbanded. Even if the authority votes to stay in situ, the State tourism authority, Fáilte Ireland, can go to the High Court to ensure the policy is adhered to. However, as in all matters such as this it is always best to try to find a solution which does not require a stricture or imposition. Therefore, I had a meeting this week with the chairperson of north-west tourism to discuss the particular difficulties it appears to have with the concept.

I explained to the chairperson that far from this being a diminution of the powers of the regional tourism authorities, it is quite the reverse. I have been concerned in recent times about the growth of tourism numbers in large urban centres relative to what is happening in the regions. I know there are various factors involved, including people taking shorter breaks, a major increase in low price access to the country, people going to urban centres for shorter periods of time and short notice bookings. Nonetheless, there is a disparity which is a cause of concern. Therefore, I have given far greater powers to the regions under this initiative than ever before.

When I say that their powers will be more strategic, I mean they will be less administrative. For the most part, everybody would agree that regional tourism authorities have been involved in administration. They did that well, but I want to see them involved strategically in tourism, targeted marketing, product development and enterprise support. I want them to have a more active role in terms of attracting people into the regions than they have ever had.

This method, which follows closely on a report commissioned from PricewaterhouseCoopers will enable us to do that. I am also confident the problems with regard to north-west tourism will be resolved and that by the end of the summer we will have the five new development boards in place.

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