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A second member of Fáilte Ireland’s board has resigned while on holiday abroad, the Irish Examiner can reveal.
Breege O’Donoghue, CEO of Primark / Penneys at their Dublin offices, spent time in Spain over the summer, a country that is not on Ireland’s ‘green list’ of countries.
Ms. O’Donoghue went on vacation to her second home in Marbella, Spain, for a week in July and another week in August.
It is understood that Fáilte Ireland was unaware of the trip until approached by the Irish examiner.
Sources say that after being alerted by the examiner, Fáilte Ireland found out Ms O’Donoghue’s movements, and the minister was briefed by Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly.
Ms. Donoghue submitted her resignation to the Minister on Tuesday evening, which was accepted.
Sources say an announcement is expected this afternoon from Fáilte Ireland that Ms O’Donoghue has formally resigned.
Ms O’Donoghue was formally appointed to Fáilte Ireland’s board of directors in 2018 along with several others for her “tourism and consumer advocacy”.
Penney’s director is the second member of the board after Fáilte Ireland president Michael Cawley resigned from his position in August after it emerged that he was on a family vacation in Italy.
A statement issued by the Minister of Media, Tourism, Art, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin, released Thursday evening, said: “We are all aware of the devastating impact that the Covid-19 restrictions have had on the sectors tourism and hospitality and myself I am disappointed to learn that a second member of Fáilte Ireland’s board traveled abroad this summer, despite advice from the government.
“In order to support our own industry, and in accordance with current government health councils, Fáilte Ireland has been at the forefront of promoting national holidays.
“Ultimately staying home supports our tourism industry at a devastating time, showing solidarity in the face of a pandemic that is costing lives and livelihoods in Ireland and the world.
“I called Ms. O’Donoghue tonight and she offered me her resignation, which I accepted.
“I wish to thank Ms O’Donoghue for her service as a member of the Fáilte Ireland board and for her significant contribution to the work of promoting tourism in Ireland during this time.
“I have accepted her resignation because I believe it would not be sustainable for her to continue in office, given all the circumstances.”
The minister has sought a meeting with the Fáilte Ireland board “at the earliest opportunity”.
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