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The Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin T.D., has accepted the resignation of Breege O’Donoghue, from the Board of Fáilte Ireland, following confirmation that Ms O’Donoghue travelled to Spain during the Summer.

The Minister made the following statement:

We are all aware of the devastating impact that COVID19 restrictions have had on the Tourism and hospitality sectors and I am disappointed to learn that a second member of the Board of Fáilte Ireland travelled abroad this Summer, notwithstanding Government advice.

In order to support our own industry, and in line with the prevailing Government health advice,  Fáilte Ireland has been to the forefront in promoting domestic holidays.  Ultimately, staying at home supports our tourism industry at a devastating time, showing solidarity in the face of a pandemic that is costing lives and livelihoods across Ireland and the world.  

I rang Ms O’Donoghue this evening and she has offered her resignation which I have accepted. I wish to thank Ms O’Donoghue for her service as a member of the Board of Fáilte Ireland and her important contribution to the work of promoting tourism in Ireland during this time. I have accepted her resignation as I believe it would not be tenable for her to continue in the role, given all of the circumstances.

I have sought a meeting with the Board of Fáilte Ireland at the earliest opportunity at which I will make clear that members of the Board are expected to show leadership during this time of unprecedented crisis in the sector which they represent.