The Chairman of Failte Ireland has resigned from his role after it emerged he is on holiday in Italy while the Irish tourism body is promoting staycations due to coronavirus.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Michael Cawley said he would be resigning from the role so as to not allow the issue become a "distraction" from the work of Failte Ireland.
Italy is among the green listed countries that are exempt from government guidelines on non-essential travel and quarantine upon return during the pandemic.
The Irish Independent revealed he was on holiday in Europe with his family today, and that he intended to take two staycations with his family in September and October.
Sinn Fein's Tourism spokesperson Imelda Munster said that Mr Cawley's position was "untenable" due to his decision.
She said: "It undermines his own organisation’s campaign to support staycations and shows he does not have sufficient faith in the very industry he is employed to promote.
"His decision to holiday abroad undermines his credibility and the campaign for people to holiday locally.
"We all need to holiday at home, not only to support the local tourism industry but also to support public health efforts and ensure the virus does not resurge due to international travel."
Minister Catherine Martin TD accepted Mr Cawley's resignation this afternoon.
In a statement, Mr Cawley said: "It is with great regret that I have this morning tendered my resignation as Chairman of Fáilte Ireland to Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin TD.
"As has been reported in the media this morning I am on a pre-arranged family holiday in Italy, which is on the Government green list.
"As I have no wish to allow this issue to become a distraction from the important work of Fáilte Ireland in rebuilding the Irish tourism industry, I have decided after six years in the position to step down. I fully support the Government’s policy on Tourism and I will continue to help the industry emerge from its current difficulties.
"It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Fáilte Ireland and to have contributed to the massive growth which Irish tourism has enjoyed prior to this global pandemic.
"I want to thank the superb management lead by Paul Kelly Chief Executive and entire team at Fáilte for their professionalism and unwavering commitment and I wish them and the industry every success in the future".
Paul Kelly CEO Failte Ireland expressed his thanks to Michael for his work with Failte Ireland since he took up the role of Chairman in 2014.
He said: "Michael has been an invaluable support to the Executive team at Fáilte Ireland. He has made a significant contribution to developing and growing the tourism sector in Ireland.
"On behalf of the Executive team and staff I want to express my thanks to Michael and I wish him well in the future.”
