Sir, - It is regrettable that your correspondent, Ms Vera Cave (February 12th) did not manage to fully read the Bord Failte Accommodation Requirements for Irish Homes which she criticises.
These requirements cover 28 principal requirements for approval to offer Irish Homes B&B accommodation. While Ms Cave, we are sure, is not questioning the need to ensure that rooms are of an adequate size, it may be of interest to her, and to your readers, that a host of other requirements are also specified including the matters (bathroom sizes, chairs, heating etc) which she erroneously believes are disregarded.
Bord Failte, and the companies to whom accommodation inspection duties are contracted, are always anxious to hear of any instance where a consumer feels that required operational standards have not been met. It would be helpful if Ms Cave actually furnished us details of the premises which left her dissatisfied. However, we would like to reassure readers that our approval requirements meet all reasonable consumer expectations, and are in line with, or surpass, international norms in this regard. - Yours, etc., John Brown,
Senior Public Relations Officer, Bord Failte, Baggot Street, Dublin 2.