Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 4

Written Answers. - Estimates Report.

Billy Timmins

Question:

333 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures as outlined in the Review of Estimates Report which have been implemented by his Department to date; the measures he proposes to implement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4479/03]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue):

The report of the independent Estimates review committee recommended cuts in my Department's Estimate totalling almost €23 million, spread across all three main areas of my Department's remit. In the case of tourism, the recommendation of a cut of €5 million – effectively in tourism marketing funding – was not implemented by my Department due to the Government's commitment to support this most valuable sector of our economy at this difficult time, as reaffirmed by the Government's decision to increase the 2003 budget for tourism marketing to €30.4 million. Furthermore, any consideration of the committee's suggested changes for increased industry contributions to the activities of the marketing and development bodies, and greater cooperation between the various tourism agencies will have to await the outcome of the tourism policy review and the establishment of the new National Tourism Development Authority.

I do not accept the recommendation that the continuation of the Irish Film Board is unwarranted. I consider the Irish Film Board to be the critical driver in the support and development of the Irish film industry and the promotion of film- making in Ireland into the future. While reductions were applied to the level of funding across my Department's arts and culture remit these were made in a way that seeks to minimise the negative effect and best position the sector to take advantage of increased funding when it again becomes available.

In view of the importance I attach to the work of the Irish Sports Council, I did not effect the proposed reduction in the council's budget in 2003. With regard to the sports capital programme, the committee recommended that priority be given to honouring existing commitments before announcing a new round of grants to local clubs and organisations. I am satisfied the allocation provided for this programme in 2003 is adequate to cover outstanding commitments and allow for commitments to be made in 2003. While I was not prepared to accept some of the specific measures proposed by the Estimates review committee, the savings identified for my Department were realised through adjustments across many areas of expenditure in my Department's Vote.