Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Appointments.

Nora Owen

Question:

288 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the number of committees, expert groups, outside agencies and study groups he has set up since July 1997; the topic each group is examining; the number of members in each group; when each group is due to report; and the costs, if any, associated with each group. [10697/98]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

The details requested by the Deputy are as follows.

The Millennium Festivals Company Limited was established by me in March 1998 to oversee Ireland's millennium celebrations from a tourism perspective. The aim of the company is to develop and link existing festivals to provide a "festival of festivals" for the millennium. I have allocated £500,000 to the company for the development and improvement of a number of festivals in preparation for the millennium.

The 50 metre swimming pool project team was set up by my Department in early 1998 to oversee the 50 metre swimming pool project and to assist in the preparation of invitation to tender documentation. The team had 14 members, representing relevant expertise from a number of Government Departments and other organisations. A project brief was prepared and issued by the project team within the set deadline of 26 March 1998. No costs were associated with the project team.

The Selection Committee for the Pilot Initiative on Tourism and the Environment was set up by my Department in February-March 1998 following the guidelines set out in sub programme two, measure six, of the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999. The committee's function is to evaluate and recommend projects for approval that apply for funding under the initiative. The initiative was advertised in the national press on 2 and 3 April 1998. The purpose of the initiative is to support projects of a pilot-demonstration nature, which will contribute to knowledge and understanding of best practice in terms of sustainable tourism and the environment. There are 11 members on the committee. Its function is to recommend projects to the product development management boards. No costs are associated with the committee.