Vol. 436 No. 8
41 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the moneys and incentives that will be available to the private sector of the Irish tourist industry in 1994 to promote, encourage and develop the tourist industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Provision has been included in the National Development Plan, 1994-1999 for European Regional Development Fund grant assistance to the private tourism industry of £10.75 million for expanded marketing and product development in 1994. In addition an Exchequer grant of £0.5 million will be provided to the industry in 1994 towards a special £3 million North American campaign which will also receive assistance from Structural Funds.
It is expected that grant assistance will be provided to the industry in the Border counties from the International Fund for Ireland and the INTERREG Community Initiative. I am not in a position to quantify the benefits which might be available from these sources as 1994 budgets have not yet been settled.
Certain incentives are also available to the industry under the business expansion scheme and the seed capital scheme.
