Vol. 474 No. 2
25 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress, if any, which has been made towards putting in place a multi-annual programme for tourism development within the EU during Ireland's Presidency of the EU. [2509/97]
43 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress, if any, which has been made in the discussion and - or adoption of the PHILOXENIA programme to assist European tourism. [2526/97]
I propose to take Question Nos. 25 and 43 together.
As President of the Council of Tourism Ministers during the Irish Presidency, I made every effort to advance consideration of the Commission's proposal for a Council Decision on a first multi-annual programme to assist European tourism, entitled PHILOXENIA 1997-2000. These efforts included the scheduling by my Department of a number of meetings of the council working group, a range of bilateral contacts with my ministerial colleagues and the development of compromise positions on certain aspects of the proposal. However, given that the proposal required unanimity, it did not prove possible to overcome political difficulties on the part of certain member states and to adopt the proposal during the Irish Presidency. Responsibility for the further advancement of the proposal now rests with the Dutch Presidency.
26 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the strategic plan, if any, he has for tourism for the next ten years; if so, the nature and direction of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2533/97]
The Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994 to 1999, sets out the principal objectives of Ireland's tourism policy and sets strategic targets for the development of the sector up to the end of the century. The programme includes objectives, strategies and targets across such key areas as product development, marketing and training. Progress in achieving key targets has been good to date and the industry is on track to reach foreign exchange earnings of £2.25 billion and total employment of 120,000 by 1999. The operational programme is the subject of an upcoming mid-term evaluation following which certain refinements and adjustments may be made.
Just before Christmas, my Department produced its strategic management statement, 1997-9, as part of the Delivering Better Government initiative. This statement sets forth a comprehensive framework for the future role the Department will play in the development of the tourism sector over the period 1997-9. The initiative is being extended at present to the tourism State agencies.
