Noel Treacy
Question:26 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the complaints, if any, he has received regarding delays in processing applications to Bord Fáilte for European Regional Development funding. [10743/95]
Written Answers. - EU Tourism Funding.
Tom Moffatt
Question:78 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the views, if any, he has on the role of the management boards in assessing tourism projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10726/95]
Tony Killeen
Question:151 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the role of the management boards in assessing tourism projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10840/95]
David Andrews
Question:159 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he has received complaints regarding delays in processing applications to Bord Fáilte for European Regional Development Fund funding. [10866/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 78, 151 and 159 together.
Independent product development and marketing management boards were established at the end of October last year to decide on individual applications for EU grant assistance under the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999. The boards comprise two relevant agency personnel, one official from my Department and three independent business professional members. The format of the boards thus brings broad practical business and professional experience to the decision making process to augment the tourism-related expertise of the tourism agencies.
I am satisfied that the combination of expertise from the private and public sectors benefits the overall decision making process and the quality of the investment itself. I am also satisfied that all of members of the boards are fully qualified for the task involved and are aware of the importance of their work.
I am satisfied that these boards are working well. Each of the three boards has been meeting at regular monthly intervals and EU grant aid of over £14.3 million towards the development of tourism projects costing in excess of £39 million has been approved by them to date.
I have received a very small number of complaints — no more than a half dozen — about delay in dealing with applications, but on inquiry it transpired that they arose mainly from the late publication of the operational programme in September 1994 and the backlog of applications that naturally followed.