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A second member of Fáilte Ireland’s board has resigned due to a holiday abroad. The Irish Examiner reports that Breege O’Donoghue, who is also CEO of Primark / Penneys, spent time in Spain over the summer, a country that is not on Ireland’s ‘green list’ of countries.
According to the report, Minister for Media, Tourism, Art, Culture, Sport and Gaeltacht Catherine Martin was briefed by Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly and Ms O’Donoghue submitted her resignation to the minister on Tuesday evening, that was accepted.
The Penney executive is the second board member after Fáilte Ireland chairman Michael Cawley resigned from his post in August after word broke that he went on a family vacation to Italy.
Devastating time
In a statement issued tonight, Tourism Minister Catherine Martin said she accepted the resignation of Breege O’Donoghue.
“We are all aware of the devastating impact that 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 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 her important contribution to the advocacy work of the 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.”
He said he is now seeking a meeting with the Fáilte Ireland Board to make it clear that Board members are expected to show leadership during this time of unprecedented crisis in the sector they represent.
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