Following high level consultations with Bord Fáilte and CERT, the Government decided in principle this time last year to create a new national tourism development authority bringing the two bodies together to promote the development of sustainable tourist facilities and services, including the promotion of training, human resources and marketing skills. On taking office, I moved quickly to establish an interim board to accelerate the preparatory work, including arrangements for the appointment of an interim chief executive, in order that the authority could be up and running in time for the 2003 season.