Vol. 488 No. 7
48 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his Department's proposals, if any, to mark the millennium; the role and terms of reference of the millennium festivals company announced by him on 15 March 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7169/98]
On 15 March 1998, I announced planning details for Ireland's Millennium celebrations which will start with the St. Patrick's Festival in March 1999. A millennium festival committee has been established to prepare the way for the formal incorporation of a Millennium Festival company, comprising representatives from the tourism, arts and commercial sectors.
The company's aim will be to harness the talents and vision of some of Ireland's existing festivals and work with them to link together into a triumphant millennium celebration. The Government will be providing £500,000 in 1998 to "kick start" the initiative, and to ensure that the celebration will be both accessible to and inclusive of diverse sectors of Irish society and, at the same time, attractive and welcoming to a broad range of visitors to Ireland.
The precise role and terms of reference of the millennium festival company will be set out in the company's memorandum and articles of association which are currently being finalised.
