asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether Bord Fáilte Éireann are empowered to make grants available to local authorities for the purpose of improving tourist amenities, etc., or whether such grants are made available as a result of representations made by the Irish Tourist Association.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants for Improvement of Tourist Amenities.
Bord Fáilte Éireann is empowered by statute to make grants to local authorities for the provision, extension or improvement of tourist facilities and amenities. The exercise of this power is entirely within the discretion of the board.
Would the Minister say if a local authority fails to subscribe to the I.T.A., whether that will have any adverse effect as far as the local authority is concerned in connection with proposals for improvement purposes to be paid for by An Bord Fáilte?
I could not say that. The Deputy understands that Bord Fáilte gets a sum of money by way of a grant-in-aid, the apportionment of which for different purposes is entirely at its discretion. I could not say what factors the board takes into consideration when deciding on applications of that kind.
Is it a fact that if a local authority fails to subscribe to the I.T.A., that may very well mean that the local authority is precluded from getting grants for amenities from Bord Fáilte?
They are certainly not precluded but I would think that Bord Fáilte would take into account, in view of the limited funds available, the interest shown by the local authority in tourist development.
If a local authority wants to make direct representations or direct application to Bord Fáilte, will Bord Fáilte under those circumstances deal in a fair manner with such an application? If it is not——
That is an argument, not a question.
With all respect, it arises out of the question.
It is an argument, not a question.
The Deputy can assume that Bord Fáilte will deal with it in the same way as with any application made to them.