The Chairman of Fáilte Ireland has stepped down after it emerged he travelled to Italy on holiday. Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin said she has accepted Michael Cawley's resignation after it emerged he was on holiday in Italy, despite Government advice to avoid non-essential travel abroad.
In a statement, Mr Cawley said he had resigned with "great regret", saying he did not want the issue of his pre-arranged family holiday to Italy to distract from the of work of Fáilte Ireland in rebuilding the Irish Tourism Industry.
He said he fully supports the Government's policy on tourism and will continue to help the industry emerge from its current difficulties.