A MAJOR scheme to inspect and grade 1,700 properties in the tourism industry, from the largest hotels to youth hostels, has been launched.
The work of inspection was put out to tender after the restructuring of Bord Failte last year and the contract has been awarded to a Welsh company, Tourism Quality Services Ltd (TQS). There were six other applicants.
The Minister for Tourism, Mr Kenny, said at the signing of the contract yesterday that the TQS company had provided a similar service for the Wales Tourist Board.
The sub contracting by Bord Failte of its registration and classification functions is part of the changes arising from a consultants review, which recommended that the board should concentrate on marketing.
The Minister said that providing high standards for tourists was a fundamental objective of Government policy, and TQS would have an important role to play in ensuring this was achieved.
Bord Failte will retain a monitoring role. In a separate arrangement, several accommodation associations have been recognised by the board as self regulatory bodies for approving bed and breakfast accommodation and awarding the shamrock symbol.
The newly structured Bord Failte will now concentrate on promoting Ireland overseas.