PAC member hits out following NITB report

A leading member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has slammed the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) following the publication of a report into the organisation's past activities.

SDLP MLA John Dallat described the report by PAC, which was made available to the public today, as "one of the most explosive" ever to be produced by a Public Accounts Committee anywhere in the democratic world.

He added: "People who have invested their capital in the tourist industry and in particular those who have put their life savings into bed and breakfast and guesthouse accommodation are entitled to know how this lame duck organisation performed over many years and I am afraid the report makes pretty appalling reading."

Mr Dallat's scathing remarks followed on the publication earlier in the week of the report conducted by the Stormont PAC investigating Tourist Board spending subsequent to a series of reports originating from the Northern Ireland Audit Office.

These reports initially dealt with the use of a credit card in NITB's New York Office and payments to directors, and a NITB grant to Malone Lodge Hotel.

PAC also looked into the awarding of printing contracts to a company run by the then NITB chairman, Roy Bailie, and the conduct of a former NITB deputy chief executive Mark Alexander.

Responding to the release, the new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Ian Pearson, said it was "clear that there were failings in NITB" at the time.

Mr Pearson confirmed that a more detailed response from his department on the issue would be issued shortly.

(MB)