Vol. 452 No. 6
16 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the international events or organisations sponsored by his Department in the years 1993 to 1995; the criteria applied in determining such sponsorship; if he will give an assessment of the sponsorship's value to Ireland in 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8377/95]
The events and organisations sponsored by my Department in 1994 and to date in 1995 which I would regard as having a significant international dimension are listed in a schedule being circulated to Deputies. There was no such sponsorship in 1993.
The key consideration in deciding on such sponsorship is the contribution the project will make to Irish tourism and its promotion in an international context. Such a contribution can consist of overseas visitors attracted to Ireland to participate in or attend the event itself or of the enhanced projection of Ireland generally as a tourism destination or of specific aspects of the Irish tourism product, to an appropriate international audience.
Generally, the projects assisted in 1994 are seen as having made a positive and valuable contribution to tourism promotion. Indeed, in a number of instances, for example Jordan Grand Prix, I have decided that support should be continued into the current year.
