Vol. 477 No. 4
34 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the proposals, if any, under consideration for the support of investment in marketing and product development in the tourism industry post-1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9361/97]
As I have indicated in reply to earlier questions on this subject, I have been conscious for some time of the need to plan properly for the situation when the current round of EU Structural Funds expires at the end of 1999. The issue has surfaced already in a number of fora such as the Tourism Council, the overseas tourism marketing initiative and in bilateral contacts between ITIC-industry representatives and my Department. I have referred to the matter in many speeches over the past two years in which I have exhorted the industry to build on its successes, particularly during this decade, by taking on more responsibility for the development and marketing of its own product and for skills training within the sector.
More recently, I have indicated to Bord Fáilte and the sector that my Department has already begun to look at possible scenarios for post-1999, with a view to future consultation and discussion with the industry on this subject. No firm proposals have yet emerged from this process nor, indeed, are they likely to until full analysis, consultation and preparation have been completed. This work will, of course, also provide the necessary background to future negotiations with the European Commission in the lead up to the completion of the current Operational Programme for Tourism which runs up to end 1999.
As to the EU financial framework post 1999, I understand from the Minister for Finance that the negotiations on the future financing of the European Union, including the Structural Funds, will not commence until the conclusion of the Inter-Governmental Conference when the European Commission will submit a communication on the future financial framework of the Union as from 31 December 1999. Ireland's overall approach to these negotiations is still under consideration but the House can be assured that when the negotiations commence, the Government will ensure that Ireland's interests are vigorously and effectively pursued.
