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The Minister for Tourism will convene the Fáilte Ireland board of directors “at the earliest opportunity” after another shocked resignation.
A second member of the tourism board resigned last night, admitting they took a vacation abroad after an investigation by the .
Breege O’Donoghue, former CEO of Primark / Penneys in Dublin, spent time in Spain over the summer, a destination 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 the .
Sources say that after being alerted by the , Fáilte Ireland found out about Ms O’Donoghue’s movements, and Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly informed Catherine Martin, Minister of Media, Tourism, Art, Culture, Sport and Gaeltacht of the developments.
Ms. Donoghue submitted her resignation to the minister on Tuesday night, which was accepted.
A statement issued by Minister Catherine Martin said: “We are all aware of the devastating impact that the Covid-19 restrictions have had on the tourism and hospitality sectors and I am disappointed to learn that a second member of the Fáilte Ireland board traveled to the overseas this summer, despite government advice.
“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.”
Penney’s former chairman is the second board member after Fáilte Ireland chairman Michael Cawley resigned from his post in August after it emerged that he took a family vacation to Italy.
The minister has now sought a meeting with the Fáilte Ireland board to discuss resignations and future board actions.
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