asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the sources of extra funding spent on tourism this year, other than funding accounted for in his Department's Estimates; the uses to which that funding has been put and the criteria used in granting aid to the tourist industry from these funds.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourism Funding.
46.
In addition to the funding provided for tourism in my Department's Estimate for 1988, the development of the sector will also benefit this year from other funding sources, primarily the European Regional Development Fund, the International Fund for Ireland and the national lottery.
Details of a £16 million programme of expenditure on tourism — related developments in the Border counties under the ERDF — Special Border Areas Programme Phase II — were provided by the Minister for Finance in a written reply to the House on 2 November 1988.
The IFI has to date allocated £6 million in assistance for tourism developments in the Border counties, and for joint promotions by Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The fund is an international organisation with its own independent board and any queries regarding the criteria under which its various programmes operate should be addressed directly to the fund.
Finally, a number of tourism-related developments, particularly in the arts, cultural and sporting spheres, have been funded from the national lottery. Details of grants in the arts and cultural area were given to the House in a written reply on 19 October 1988 by the Taoiseach. Moneys from the national lottery have also been made available, under the aegis of the Minister for Education, for the commercial development of sport as an aid to the tourist industry.
With regard to the £4.5 million or £5 million — I am not certain which figure because in each of two announcements different figures were mentioned — given to Bord Fáilte for tourism promotion and to help the industry, can the Minister say from what sources that money came and the criteria to be met by the various hotel operators, tour operators and other industry groupings who may gain benefit from that promotional money?
The Deputy is referring to the £4.5 million to £5 million provided by the Government and which was to be backed by £5 million from the industry. I am glad to say that we have got assurances from the industry that that £5 million is available. That money will be available to Bord Fáilte and they are deciding on the priorities of expenditure. I can tell the House that in accordance with policy the money is being concentrated on the marketing end of the activities of Bord Fáilte.
May I ask the Minister if that money will be available for the current year, the coming year or for both years?
As a former Minister for Tourism, the Deputy will know that the work for 1989 marketing takes place during this period. That money is now being spent on marketing for the 1989 season.