Vol. 546 No. 3
351 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation when the guidelines for the operational programme for tourism will be issued; the reason for the delay in issuing the guidelines for the new programme; and if money has been provided in the Estimates for this programme. [31729/01]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the guidelines for the proposed tourism product development scheme, which is to be funded under the local enterprise development priority of the BMW and the S and E operational programmes.
As I have advised the House before, the launch of the scheme was delayed due to the fact that, for the first time, a scheme of this nature had to be individually notified to the competition directorate of the European Commission under the state aids rules for regional aid. State aids clearance was eventually obtained from the European Commission on 7 November 2001.
The present position is that Bord Fáilte, in consultation with my Department, is re-examining its draft guidelines in the light of the very detailed conditions laid down in the Commission's formal decision. I hope to formally launch the scheme in the new year, at which time there will be a call for project proposals and all the necessary materials, including guidelines, will be made available to interested parties.
Factual information in relation to the tourism measures within the regional operational programmes is available in the form of the programme complements for tourism sub-measures 1 to 3 and I am arranging for extracts from the BMW operational programme to be sent to the Deputy.
In terms of funding for the tourism product development scheme, I point out that the national development plan has earmarked some 130 million – circa £100 million – in public sector support, including 55 million – £43 million – from the European Regional Development Fund in the period to 2006. As outlined in the programme complements, the European Regional Development Fund funded grants will be paid to grantees by the implementing body, that is, Bord Fáilte. In the case of public sector developments, the Exchequer's commitment will be provided through the Votes relevant to the project promoters. The product development subhead in the Vote of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation for 2002 will be B9.
As regards ongoing investment in tourism product, I point out that grant aid under the former Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999 has continued to be drawn down as projects have been developed. Some £17 million – 21.6 million – of grants for tourism projects were paid out last year and the forecast spend for this year is £16 million – 20.3 million.
