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APPENDIX 7Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 25 NOVEMBER 19981.The Joint Committee met at 2.13 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on Thursday, 25 November, 1998. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Liam Aylward, Matt Brennan, Mary Coughlan, Brendan Kenneally John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Michael O Kennedy, Gerry Reynolds and Billy Timmins, and Senators Ernie Caffrey Fintan Coogan, Tony Kett and Pat Moylan. Deputy John McGuinness and Senator Willie Farrell attended in substitution for Deputy Billy Kelleher and Senator Paddy McGowan respectively. An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Pat Rabbitte. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meetings on 17 June and 12 November, 1998 were agreed by the Committee and held for signature by the Chairman. 4.Election of Temporary Chairman In the unavoidable temporary absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairperson, Deputy Liam Aylward was elected to take the Chair. 5.Annual Report for 1997/98 The draft annual report for 1997/98, which had been circulated to the Members, was agreed by the Committee for laying before the Houses. The Chairperson took the Chair on his arrival at the meeting. 6.Motion regarding the possible introduction of tourist levies on the Aran Islands The following motion was proposed by Deputy Bernard Allen: “That the Joint Committee rejects the proposal by Galway County Council to introduce a visitors tax on those visiting the Aran Islands because of the serious impact it could have for the competitiveness of Irish tourism and because it could be treated as a precedent by other local authorities to impose similar taxes”. The motion was debated and the Committee divided on the question - “That the motion be agreed”.
The motion was declared negatived. 7.Preparation of Report on the Protection of Children in Sport The Committee agreed to the proposal by the Chairman that a sum of £2,000 will be paid to Senator Pat Moylan who is acting as Rapporteur in preparing a report for the Committee on the protection of children in sport. 8.Visit to the World Travel Market The Committee noted the Report by the Chairman on behalf of the delegation who represented the Committee at the World Travel Market in London with the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation at the invitation of Bord Failte. 9.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.48 p.m., sine die. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. February, 1999 Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 04 FEBRUARY 19991.The Joint Committee met at 11.05 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on Thursday, 4th February, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Liam Aylward, MJ Cosgrave, Brendan Kenneally, Michael O Kennedy, and Billy Timmins, and Senators Ernie Caffrey, Tony Kett and Pat Moylan. Deputy Conor Lenihan attended in substitution for Deputy Matt Brennan. Apologies were received from Senator Fintan Coogan. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meeting on 25 November, 1998 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman. The Committee agreed to go into private session. 4/5 In private session 6.Letters of congratulations The Committee agreed to go back into public session. The Committee agreed to send letters of congratulations (i)to the Ulster Rugby Team on their success in becoming the first Irish team to win the European Rugby Cup, and (ii)to Ms Mandy Crowe, Bansha, County Tipperary, a 13 year old winner of the All Ireland U-15 200 Metres who has been selected to represent Ireland at an international event. 7.Presentations on Regional Tourism Development In furtherance of its work programme item to consider the regional imbalance in tourism, the Committee had invited 2 groups to make presentations. Shannon Development Mr Kevin Thompstone, Asst Chief Executive and Mr John Leonard, Tourism Manager, attended before the Committee and gave a slide show presentation. It dealt with the general business of Chignon Development, their focus on tourism in particular, some key issues they are reviewing and their recommendations. Taperer Laicised Mr Michael Wilkinson, Secretary of the Group, attended and made a presentation detailing the work of the group, some of their concerns, and needs and issues facing into the future. A question and answer session followed both presentations. 8.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.52 p.m., sine die. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. February, 1999 Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 18 FEBRUARY 19991.The Joint Committee met at 11.14 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on Thursday, 18th February, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Liam Aylward, Matt Brennan, Mary Coughlan, Billy Kelleher, Brendan Kenneally, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Michael O Kennedy and Billy Timmins, and Senators Fintan Coogan and Tony Kett. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meeting on 4 February, 1999 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman. The Committee agreed to go into private session. 4/6 In private session 7.Presentation by FAI on Arena Stadium Development The Chairman welcomed Mr Bernard O Byrne, Chief Executive and Mr Brendan McKenna, Press Officer from the FAI. Mr O Byrne showed a short video in relation to the project and outlined some of the proposals involved including the construction of a national coaching centre on the site. Members welcomed the proposals and a question and answer session followed which included <the question of Government or lottery funding <discussions with other national governing bodies <planning permission <transport infrastructure and availability. 8.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.17 p.m., sine die. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. April, 1999 Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 01 APRIL 19991.The Joint Committee met at 12.05 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on Thursday, 1st April, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Matt Brennan, Michael Joe Cosgrave, Mary Coughlan, John Moloney, Breeda Moynihan Cronin, and Billy Timmins, and Senators Ernie Caffrey, Fintan Coogan, Tony Kett, Pat Moylan and Willie Farrell (in substitution for Paddy McGowan). Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Denis Naughten. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meeting on 18 February, 1999 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman. The Committee agreed to go into private session. 4/5 In private session 6.Presentation by Bord Failte on Tourism Towards 2000 The Chairman welcomed Mr John Dully, Chief Executive and Ms Niamh Fitzpatrick, General Mananger for International Markets from Bord Failte. They made a presentation, supported by a Powerpoint display, on the development of their marketing plans in 1999 in the different global markets. This will include <a comprehensive review of Tourism Brand Ireland <development of a new communication strategy <managing and developing growth A question and answer session followed which included <the possible damage to our traditional tourism image of the “Celtic Tiger” association <the funding of St Patricks Day parades <the need to spread tourism growth in a balanced way throughout the regions and to support local initiatives and developments. 7.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 1.10p.m., sine die. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. April, 1999 Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 15 APRIL 19991.The Joint Committee met at 12.12 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House, on Thursday, 15th April, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Matt Brennan, Denis Foley (in substitution for Liam Aylward), John Moloney, Gerry Reynolds, and Billy Timmins, and Senators Ernie Caffrey, Pat Moylan and Willie Farrell (in substitution for Paddy McGowan). Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Brendan Kenneally and Breeda Moynihan Cronin, and Senator Fintan Coogan. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meeting on 1 April, 1999 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman. 4.Presentation by Irish Real Tennis Association Mr Ted Neville and Mr Michael Bolton made an oral presentation on behalf of the Irish Real Tennis Association. The Association are seeking to preserve the site of the real tennis court in Earlsfort Terrace for which planning permission has been granted for development as a recital hall for the National Concert Hall. The presentation dealt with the history of the sport and the particular site in question. A question and answer session followed. The Chairman also circulated Members with correspondence received from the National Concert Hall in relation to the site. 5.Presentation by TicketMaster on Prohibition of Ticket Touts Bill, 1998 The Committee had agreed to a request from Ticketmaster to make a presentation in relation to the Prohibition of Ticket Touts Bill, 1998. Mr Tommy Higgins, Managing Director attended with a legal advisor, Mr Guy French. Mr Higgins broadly welcomed the Bill but outlined two definitions in the Bill which he suggested needed to be clarified for greater efficiency - (i) unauthorised person - The expression “in writing” should be deleted to allow for oral agreements and arrangements (ii) designated price - The definition should specify that the price may include service or handling charges relating to each ticket. 6.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 1.15p.m. until 29th April, 1999. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. April, 1999 Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 29 APRIL 19991.The Joint Committee met at 11.35 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on Thursday, 29th April, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Matt Brennan, MJ Cosgrave, Mary Coughlan, Breeda Moynihan Cronin, Brendan Kenneally, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Michael O Kennedy and Billy Timmins, and Senators Ernie Caffrey, Tony Kett, Pat Moylan and Willie Farrell (in substitution for Paddy McGowan). Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Bernard Allen and Senator Fintan Coogan. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meeting on 15 April, 1999 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman. 4.Rapporteur Report on the imbalance in regional tourism growth The Committee noted the Report on the imbalance in regional tourism growth which had been prepared by Deputy Bernard Allen and agreed to discuss it further at a later date. 5.Presentation by the Association of Game Shoot Operators Mr Paul Carberry (Chairman) and Mr Micheal Ryan (Treasurer) attended from the Association of Game Shoot Operators in relation to the Tourist shooting industry. They outlined the membership of the AGSO (47 in total with operations ranging in size), the steps taken to prevent indiscriminate shooting (including a strict code of practice), the revenue generated (approximately £20million annually) and the need to realise the potential of the industry. A question and answer session followed with Members which included <the gun licence provisions currently in force <reported allegations of indiscriminate shooting <the need to make more State lands available for shooting <the Wildlife Act and the temporary firearms legislation passed in 1998. 6.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.30p.m. sine die. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. May, 1999 Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 19 MAY 19991.The Joint Committee met at 6.24p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on 19th May, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Johnny Brady (in substitution for Brendan Kenneally), Matt Brennan, MJ Cosgrave, Breeda Moynihan Cronin, John Moloney, Denis Naughten and Senator Pat Moylan. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meeting on 29 April, 1999 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman. 4.Presentation by Aer Lingus Mr Gary Cullen (Group Chief Executive), Mr David Bunworth (Marketing Director) and Mr Dan Loughrey (Corporate Affairs Director) attended from Aer Lingus to make a presentation on direct flights to and from the west coast of America, in particular the possibility of establishing a route between Ireland and northern California, with San Jose as an option Aer Lingus outlined the development of the new service directly into Los Angeles (southern California) and their objectives in developing that new market. They confirmed that they had actively looked at the San José route, particularly with the growing links with the Silicon Valley area. However in the light of the new service into Los Angeles, the current requirements of the air travel agreement with the USA, and the fact that other potential cities in the USA currently offer a greater market opportunity, San Jose is not currently a potential option. A question and answer session followed with Members which included <the new strategic alliance with the One World Group <the expansion of the UK route and European developments <the need for Government support for tourism in 1999/2000 5.Presentation by Planet (the Network of Area-based Partnerships) Ms Hilary Curley (Co-ordinator), Mr Tom O Donnell (Chairperson of the Paul Partnership in Limerick) and Mr Willy Gleeson (Chairperson of County Wexford Partnership) attended before the Committee to make a presentation on the future of local development. The Group’s main concern is to ensure that funding is available in the intervening period between the current tranche of EU funds from 1994-1999 and the finalisation of a new national plan feeding into the next allocation of funds for EU/Irish programmes. A question and answer session followed with Members which included <the difficulty in tackling rural decline and poverty due to the wider geographic spread involved <the work done with groups such as the long term unemployed, lone parents and travellers <the need to co-ordinate and streamline proposals with other initiatives such as LEADER, county enterprise and local authority/health board developments <the progress made to date in adopting a partnership approach to local development. 6.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 7.53 p.m. sine die. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. July, 1999 Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 1 JULY 19991.The Joint Committee met at 12.12 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on Thursday, 1st July, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Liam Aylward, Matt Brennan, MJ Cosgrave, Brendan Kenneally, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Michael O Kennedy, Gerry Reynolds and Senators Ernie Caffrey, Tony Kett, Pat Moylan and Willie Farrell (in substitution for Paddy McGowan). 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meeting were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman. 4.Formation of Irish Sports Council The Chairman reported to the Committee that he had attended the official launch of the new statutory Irish Sports Council. He welcomed the establishment of the Council and confirmed that they will be invited in to the Committee at a later date. 5.Invitation to Community Games The Committee agreed to invite in the Community Games organisation who are anxious to set up a national headquarters and would like to make a presentation to the Committee. 6.Invitation to the Irish Travel Agents Association The Committee also agreed to issue an invitation to the ITAA in relation to safety measures being taken to protect Irish holidaymakers abroad. 7.Future Meetings It was agreed to meet again on Thursday 15th July and then on Wednesday 22nd September. The Committee noted the logistical difficulties that will exist for holding meetings in September/October if the Public Accounts Inquiry takes place at that time. 8.Prohibition of Ticket Touts Bill, 1998 Deputy Naughten expressed concern at the delay by the Department in taking the Committee Stage of the Bill in Select Committee. It was agreed to write to the Department seeking clarification and proposing that the Bill be taken at the next meeting on 15 July. 9/11 In private session 12.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.43p.m. until 15th July, 1999. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. July, 1999 Minutes of proceedings of the Joint CommitteeJOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMEETING OF 15 JULY 19991.The Joint Committee met at 12.08p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on Thursday, 15th July, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Liam Aylward, Matt Brennan, MJ Cosgrave, Mary Coughlan, Denis Naughten, Gerry Reynolds and Billy Timmins, and Senators Fintan Coogan, Pat Moylan and Willie Farrell (in substitution for Paddy McGowan). Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Brendan Kenneally and Michael O Kennedy. 3.Minutes of previous meeting The minutes of the meeting on 1 July, 1999 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman. 4.Rapporteur’s Report on the protection of children in sport The Committee noted the Report on the protection of children in sport which had been prepared by Senator Pat Moylan and agreed to discuss it further at a later date. The Committee also agreed to make a payment of £5,000 to Senator Moylan for the work he put into preparing the report. 5.Presentation by the Community Games Mr Joe Connolly, Honorary Life President of the Community Games, made a presentation to the Committee on the pressing need for the Association to establish a suitable national headquarters to carry on their important work. He also outlined the history their work and the major role it has played in providing a valuable social outlet for children. Members of the Committee spoke strongly in favour of the Association and its vital role in every parish and town in the country. The Committee agreed that the Association should receive every assistance in continuing its work in premises commensurate with its standing as the national sporting organisation responsible for childrens’ sports. The Committee agreed to send a letter to the Minister strongly urging him to support the Association to secure and develop an appropriate site. 6.Correspondence with Irish Real Tennis Association The Committee agreed to the text of a letter in reply to correspondence from the Irish Real Tennis Association. 7.Regional tourism development Members discussed the ongoing work being done in tackling the regional imbalance in tourism revenue. Deputy Reynold’s proposal was agreed that the Committee should visit the regional tourism organisations to see how they are developing and marketing their tourism product. 8.Adjournment The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.57p.m. sine die. Michael Ferris, T.D., Chairman. October, 1999 JOINT COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, SPORT AND RECREATIONMinutes of meeting of 4th November, 19991.The Joint Committee met at 12.05p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, on Thursday, 4th November, 1999. 2.Attendance Deputies Michael Ferris (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Liam Aylward, Matt Brennan, MJ Cosgrave, Mary Coughlan, Breeda Moynihan Cronin, Brendan Kenneally, John Moloney, Denis Naughten, Michael O Kennedy and Billy Timmins, and Senators Ernie Caffrey, Fintan Coogan, Pat Moylan, Tony Kett and Willie Farrell. 3.Minutes of last meeting. The minutes of the meeting held on 15th July were agreed and signed by the Chairman. 4.Expression of sympathy The Chair proposed a vote of sympathy on the death of Senator Paddy McGowan, a former member of the Committee, and former Taoiseach Jack Lynch and a minutes silence was observed. The Committee went into private session. 5.Correspondence I. 1998 Annual Report of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation The 1998 Annual Report of the Department was noted by the Committee. II. Correspondence with the Irish Travel Agents Association The Committee noted that only 1 of 4 major travel groups had responded to its letter requesting details of VII. Report by Chairman on visit to Hungary for 2nd Parliamentary Tourism Day The Chairman reported to the Committee that he had travelled to Budapest, Hungary on behalf of the Committee from 12th, to 14th October to attend their 2nd Parliamentary Tourism Day. He was invited to address the Parliament and one of their Committees on the impact of EU membership on the development of our tourism and sport sectors. The Chairman informed the Committee of the possibility of an invitation being sent to the Committee for a delegation to visit Hungary in 2000. 6.World Travel Market in London from 16th to 18th November, 1999 The Committee agreed to send a delegation of five Members and 1 official to the 1999 World Travel Market in London to further the work programme of the Committee in assessing our tourism marketing and development. The Committee went back into public session. 7.Consideration of Rapporteur’s Report on the protection of children in sport The Committee agreed the Report compiled by Senator Pat Moylan on the protection of children in sport which would now be laid before both Houses. 8.Motion in relation to the Prohibition of Ticket Touts Bill, 1998 The following motion had been submitted by Deputy Denis Naughten and was moved by him- “The Joint Committee on Tourism, Sport and Recreation regrets that the Select Committee on Tourism, Sport and Recreation is not taking committee stage of the Prohibition of Ticket Touts Bill, 1998 before Thursday 18th November, 1999”. Members spoke to the motion.The Question of whether the motion was agreed was put by the Chair and a division was challenged. The Chair announced the result- Tá 8 Níl 10 and declared the motion defeated. 9.Adjournment The Committee adjourned at 1.20pm sine die. _________________ Michael Ferris TD Committee Chairman December, 1999 |
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