Tourism JC 30 March 2001

1. The second meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in the Tourism sectoral format was held in the Institute of Technology, Letterkenny on Friday 30 March 2001. Dr James McDaid, T.D., Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, who chaired the meeting, represented the Irish Government. Sir Reg Empey, MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and Dr Sean Farren, MLA, Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, represented the Northern Ireland Executive.

2. Tourism is an Area for Co-operation under the North/South Ministerial Council provided for in the Belfast Agreement and, in that context, it has been agreed that a publicly-owned limited company would be established to carry out functions aimed at promoting increased tourism to the island of Ireland. At its first meeting in the Tourism sectoral format on 27 October, the NSMC agreed the draft Memorandum and Articles of Association for the proposed Tourism Company, the composition of the Board and the necessary start-up arrangements. The Company, known as Tourism Ireland Ltd., was formally established on 11 December 2000. Mr Andrew Coppel was appointed as Chairperson of the Board, with Ms Ann Riordan as Vice-Chairperson.

3. The Council agreed today that Tourism Ireland Ltd. would have an important role to play, in enhancing co-operation between North and South in promoting tourism to the island. Both sides acknowledged that this holds real potential for mutual benefit in economic terms for North and South, and they looked forward to working together in the Council and with the company to ensure that this potential was fully realised.

4. The Vice-Chairperson of Tourism Ireland Ltd., Ms Ann Riordan, accompanied by Mr Felix Mooney, Board Member, gave the Council an update on progress to date in establishing the company.

5. Work is progressing on the further development of Tourism Brand Ireland (TBI), marketing programmes for 2002 and staffing structures and proposals for the offices in Dublin and Coleraine are being developed. The post of Chief Executive has been advertised and the Board hopes to be in a position to make an early appointment.

6. The Council conveyed to Ms Riordan its appreciation of the hard work and commitment of the Chairperson, Mr Andrew Coppel, herself as Vice-Chairperson and the other members of the Board in taking forward the establishment of Tourism Ireland Ltd. It stressed the need to maintain this rate of progress so that Tourism Ireland Ltd. would be in a position to play the full part envisaged for it as quickly as possible.

7. The Council considered and approved the Draft Codes of Conduct for Board Members and for staff of Tourism Ireland Ltd. The Codes deal with the accountability and conduct of its members and staff.

8. At its meeting in the Tourism Sector in October, the Council had asked for a discussion paper to be produced in co-operation with relevant Departments North and South, on the subject of training in the tourism and hospitality industry. At today's meeting, the Council discussed a paper that was jointly produced by the Department of Higher and Further Education Training and Employment, Belfast and the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dublin in conjunction with CERT (the Irish Tourism and Hospitality Training Authority.)

9. The paper provided an update on the support mechanisms and training arrangements for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in both parts of the island. It referred to some joint initiatives such as the International Fund for Ireland Tourism Programme which has facilitated North/South collaboration between the training agencies, tourism marketing boards and industry representative associations. The paper also identified key areas where joint activities in both jurisdictions would be beneficial.

10. Possible future initiatives for consideration by the appropriate Departments include the promotion of training and other human resource partnerships on an island-wide basis between the institutionalised training structures and amongst Tourism businesses. The improvement of management skills at all levels is a key requirement for the sector and any agreed programmes should be tailored to the specific requirements in each area. Emphasis should be given to assisting small tourism enterprises, including owner - managers. It was also agreed that the feasibility of introducing more consistency of formal training North and South, including the standardisation of vocational qualifications in tourism could also be examined.

11. Ministers discussed the continuing serious implications for the tourism industry, North and South, of the Foot and Mouth crisis. They reiterated the determination of the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to combat the disease in every way possible and that, for their part, they would continue to work in close consultation with their Ministerial colleagues in Agriculture, Ministers Joe Walsh and Brid Rodgers, in that regard. They expressed their determination to work closely with Tourism Ireland Ltd., Bord Fáilte Éireann, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and with the industry in ensuring that the future for tourism in both parts of the island is a positive one and that its potential is realised to the full. The Council wishes to send out a strong message that the Island of Ireland is open for Tourism business and that, subject to the appropriate precautions, home market business - conferences, meetings, seminars and social events - should go ahead.

12. The Council agreed that its next meeting in this sectoral format would take place in Northern Ireland in June 2001.

Joint Secretariat

30 March 2001