Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I wish to raise a few concerns about the Bill. Section 11 allows the authority to delegate certain of its functions, but that may have an impact on staff who may find that their functions have been delegated to Tourism Ireland, for example. Bord Fáilte has an environmental role and in certain cases it can object to planning applications, yet this is not referred to in the Bill. In addition, the tourism review should be completed before the Bill is enacted.

Staff should enjoy mobility between the national tourism development authority, Tourism Ireland and regional tourism authorities. Such an interchange would facilitate both the staff and organisations concerned.

In his speech the Minister mentioned niche marketing as an important role of Bord Fáilte, yet it is not referred to in the Bill. Perhaps he could explain that omission in his reply.