Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation whether he has sought any report on tourism marketing or promotion from the various agencies with responsibility for these matters; the tourism bodies to whom his Department may have disbursed funds in the past 12 months; if he has satisfied himself that his responsibility to Dáil Éireann in respect of this disbursement is fully vindicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16525/98]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation whether his Department exercises any supervision, requires any reports or indicates any policy direction in respect of tourism marketing in the EU or non-EU member states; whether he has satisfied himself in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16527/98]

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

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.

As I have previously indicated to this House, most recently on 24 June last, overall responsibility for the international marketing of Irish tourism lies with Bord Fáilte Éireann, which is funded under my Department's Vote. Included in its marketing activity is the promotion of tourism angling, water sports and many other products, together with the implementation of specific marketing programmes in targeted EU and non-EU member states. Funding is also provided by my Department to the Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative Limited, the all-Ireland, industry led, joint commercial venture between the public and private sectors, and to the Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited, which operates marketing programmes specific to the mid-west region.

Reports are produced annually by the boards of Bord Fáilte, the Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited, and the Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative Limited, and by the marketing management board set up under the Operational Programme for Tourism to decide on European Regional Development Fund tourism marketing grants. These reports are duly laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and are available in the Oireachtas Library.