Vol. 429 No. 5
21 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the proposals, if any, he has for the utilisation of EC Structural Funds in the expansion of the tourism sector over the next 12 months; his views on whether these proposals are in line with the objectives of the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993 to 1997 and the employment content therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The current EC funded operational programme for tourism expires at the end of 1993. Expenditure of EC funds in 1993 under that programme is estimated at £50 million, including £41.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund, for product development and marketing and £8.5 million from the European Social Fund for training.
This expenditure, which is being incurred in accordance with the aims, objectives and criteria set up in the operational programme 1989-1993, is consistent with the objectives of the Programme for a Partnership Government in so far as they relate to the tourism sector.
I am currently in the process of preparing the next national plan for the further development of the tourism industry over the period 1994 to 1997. Among the issues being considered is the appropriate level of assistance to be provided to the industry, including Structural Funds, and the effort required from the tourism industry over that period, in order to meet the revenue and employment targets set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
