Vol. 482 No. 1
32 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has satisfied himself that the funding of the regional tourist boards from the Exchequer is in keeping with the importance of tourism to the economy; and the plans, if any he has to increase the subvention being provided for such boards. [17306/97]
The regional tourism authorities were established by Bord Fáilte as limited companies under section 5 of the Tourist Traffic Act, 1952 to, inter alia, operate tourist information offices at major centres and develop tourism at regional level to include marketing and product development. They receive Exchequer funding by way of annual subvention from Bord Fáilte who determine levels of subvention each year for the authorities. They also derive income from a number of other sources including the local authorities; membership subscriptions and commercial revenue generating activities such as the sale of literature.
