Northern Ireland Travel News contacted Damian Murphy from ANITA for an update on the latest meeting at Stormont which involved our local travel industry.
“On Wednesday November 17 the Committee of the Executive office met to further discuss the findings of their previous meeting,” said Damian. “The meeting to me seemed to be poorly attended and I struggle to see what progress was ever going to be made from it. Siobhan Broderick and Paul McKenna attended to give a full report of the last scheme and how they felt it had went (they had overseen the scheme).
“They felt the information provided by ANITA and ABTA was both comprehensive and accurate but some applicants did not provide sufficient information to have their claims paid. When asked if they would be in a position to administer a further scheme they simply said no!
“Chair of the meeting Sinead McLaughlin MLA who once again supported us said she would write to both. The Chair of the Economy Committee and the Economy Minister to ask if their department would take our sector under their wing and look at a further scheme. I’m not sure what else the Executive office can now do to help us and I appeal directly to the Economy Department to take on board what Sinead has said and to reach out and provide some much needed support for our sector. Regardless – yesterdays events will a further delay in getting a decision – it’s frustrating to say the least.”
