Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to review the semi-State bodies operating under his aegis in the area of tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33410/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Fáilte Ireland was established under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003 to encourage, promote and support tourism. Its primary functions are the development of quality tourism product, domestic tourism marketing, tourism standards, enterprise support, capability building and human resource development for the tourism industry.

Tourism Ireland is accountable to the North South Ministerial Council and is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland, and by my Department. It promotes the island of Ireland as a tourist destination overseas. The company works closely with Fáilte Ireland, NITB, and the tourism industry in delivering its remit.

There is a close working relationship between the organisations. The CEO of Fáilte Ireland sits on the board of Tourism Ireland and the Tourism Ireland CEO regularly attends Fáilte Ireland board meetings on an observer basis. The boards of the two agencies, the chief executives and senior management teams also meet on an ongoing basis to discuss issues of mutual interest on tourism and to co-ordinate their activities.

I am satisfied that the two principal tourism agencies act in a cohesive manner in delivering their tourism remits. The Government believes it is important that all State agencies constantly review and monitor their operations to ensure optimal returns are received for public investment. I am aware that the tourism agencies are already working to share services, where possible, with a view to driving economies.

All semi-state bodies were reviewed as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. Whereas any change to Tourism Ireland would require agreement with the Northern Ireland authorities in the overall North-South framework, all agencies will be expected to deliver efficiencies with fewer staff, lower budgets and rationalised structures.