John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

The power to contract out certain registration, grading and inspection functions to other bodies was conferred on Bord Fáilte by the Tourist Traffic Acts and the provisions of this section reflect the repealed provisions of the Acts. Contractors employed by Bord Fáilte following a tendering process become agents of Bord Fáilte. They implement the criteria governing the registration of different classes of accommodation and the grading of such accommodation. Registration criteria are laid down in regulations made by Bord Fáilte with my consent, as provided for in the Tourist Traffic Acts.