Brendan Kenneally
Question:19 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the percentage of EU Structural Funds expended on tourism to date which has been spent on research. [18736/96]
Written Answers. - Tourism Research Programme.
John Browne
Question:43 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to devote greater resources to research in the tourism area; if so, the way in which such research will be undertaken; and the areas, markets and competitors likely to be studied. [18727/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 43 together.
There is an extensive programme of research activities under way. In relation to Structural Fund expenditure, there is a programme of research being undertaken by the external evaluator to the Operational Programme for Tourism; a mid-term evaluation of that programme which is also under way, and an ex post facto evaluation of the programme which will, probably, take place in late 1999. Additional studies such as a visitor attitude survey and survey of overseas visitors by Bord Fáilte, a national tourism manpower survey by CERT and a study of regional tourism trends by ITIC have also been supported under the operational programme.
Sub-programme 5 of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99 provides for some £3 million, or up to a maximum of 1 per cent of the total European Regional Development Fund allocation, in respect of technical assistance. The objective is to ensure the effective administration of the programme and includes provision for expert advice, consultancy and research. Expenditure on research in the period of 30 June 1996 amounted to 40 per cent of expenditure to date on technical assistance.
Independently of this work the Tourism Council has undertaken research, funded by the Department of Tourism and Trade, into areas such as tourism branding, product development, manpower training and domestic tourism marketing.
Finally, Bord Fáilte, as part of its marketing and promotion activity, carry out ongoing research into various aspects of the international tourism market. The areas, markets and competitors to be studied would be a matter for it.
Overall, I consider that sufficient research is being undertaken by my Department and the tourism State agencies but I will keep the matter under review.