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The Tourism Minister has requested a meeting with the Fáilte Ireland board “at the earliest opportunity” after a second member of its board resigned after a trip abroad during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The tourism body has been promoting domestic vacations due to current restrictions around international travel.
Minister Catherine Martin said she accepted the resignation of Breege O’Donoghue from the board, following confirmation that Ms O’Donoghue traveled to Spain over the summer.
Last month, Fáilte Ireland President MIchael Cawley resigned after it emerged that he traveled to Italy on vacation.
“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 abroad this summer, despite the advice of the government, “said Minister Martin. it said in a statement.
“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 in a devastating time, showing solidarity in the face of a pandemic that is costing lives and livelihoods in Ireland and the world.”
Spain is not on Ireland’s Green List of “safe” countries for safe travel. Mrs O’Donoghue’s trip there was first reported in the Irish Examiner.
Ms. Martin stated: “I called Ms. O’Donoghue tonight 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 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 said she had sought a meeting with the Fáilte Ireland board “at the earliest opportunity.”
He said he will make it clear to board members that they are expected to show leadership at this time of unprecedented crisis in the sector they represent.
O’Donoghue, former CEO of Primark / Penneys, received the 2019 RDS Gold Medal for Business.
He retired from the fashion company in 2016 after 37 years and told the Irish Times that one of the highlights of his career was opening a Primark branch in Spain.
“I have a love for Spain, a love for the people and a love for the language,” said Ms. O’Donoghue.
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