Paul Bradford
Question:18 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has to extend the overseas tourism marketing initiative beyond 1999. [20369/98]
Other Questions. - Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative.
Michael Creed
Question:38 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has to extend the overseas tourism marketing initiative beyond 1999. [20370/98]
P. J. Sheehan
Question:60 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has to extend the overseas tourism marketing initiative beyond 1999. [20368/98]
Bernard Allen
Question:63 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has to extend the overseas tourism marketing initiative beyond 1999. [20366/98]
Liam Burke
Question:64 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has to extend the overseas tourism marketing initiative beyond 1999. [20367/98]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 18, 38, 60, 63 and 64 together.
The greater proportion of the funding for the overseas tourism marketing initiative is provided under the marketing sub-programme of the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, my Department has developed an outline strategy for the continued development of tourism in the context of EU Structural Funds, 2000-2006, and is currently engaged in a process of consultation with the tourism industry and the relevant agencies with the objective of developing a shared vision for the continued development of Irish tourism. A series of meetings with senior ITIC members, representing the industry at large, is taking place to move the process forward.
While I am not yet in a position to indicate the shape that vision might take or to anticipate the outcome of negotiations on the next round of Structural Funds, it is my intention that the future promotion of Ireland as a tourism destination will continue to be pursued in partnership with the industry.
Since the Minister has stated that marketing is important to the tourism industry, I am amazed that a high level of uncertainty still exists in relation to the overseas tourism marketing initiative after 1999. It is not good enough for the Minister to say he is having discussions. What are his views on the continuation of the initiative after 1999? Will he explain the reason for the long delay in replacing the marketing director of Bord Fáilte who resigned almost 12 months ago? If marketing is so high on the Minister's agenda, why has he not ensured a new director is appointed?
I have already indicated to the Deputy that a new structure has been set up in Bord Fáilte since the appointment of the new chief executive. I understand the reason for the Deputy's question, namely, that the marketing director left Bord Fáilte to take up a position elsewhere. That matter has been cleared up. There is a new structure in place in Bord Fáilte for the marketing initiative and the board continues to produce figures on a yearly basis as a result.
As the Deputy knows, my discussions with ITIC have to remain confidential. I am concerned about this area of marketing, as is the industry, and we are having these ongoing discussions to see if we can bring forward marketing proposals.
I did not ask the Minister to give us details of his discussions with ITIC; I want to know his views on how this issue should be approached post-1999. The Minister does not know if the Arthur D. Little recommendation of 20 marketing executives is being adhered to by Bord Fáilte. Both he and Bord Fáilte are ignoring one of the core recommendations of the Arthur D. Little report, the absence of a marketing director for Bord Fáilte at a time when we should be effectively and vigorously marketing Ireland abroad.
To be constructive in this area I will send the Deputy a copy of the 2000 to 2006 document produced by my Department. As the Deputy has asked a statistical question I will try to get the information and furnish it to him.
Given the British-Irish Agreement, has the Minister plans for a joint promotion with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board? Has the Minister any plans to promote tourism for the millennium, by which time the peace process will be well in place? Given that the tourism industry in Northern Ireland and in the Border counties will benefit most from the British-Irish Agreement, has he any plans to promote tourism in the areas of greatest loss, the six southern counties?
The British-Irish Agreement gives us a golden opportunity to promote tourism. Certain areas of the west and north-west have not been as successful as other parts of the country. In the east revenue is up 80 per cent while in certain other areas it has increased by only 15 per cent to 20 per cent. Due to our geographical position and the political situation of the past 30 years, we were at a natural disadvantage. It is timely for us to co-operate in the tourism area and take advantage of the British-Irish Agreement. The Deputy's county of Sligo has shown great initiative. Every day on the radio we hear about the marketing of Sligo. It is no longer feasible to put up B&B signs in one's garden and expect people to call; one has to get into the marketing area. In conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board I hope we will able to improve on those figures and that people in all parts of the country will benefit.
I have set up the millennium festivals committee. It is our intention to celebrate the millennium by providing funding to establish festivals, beginning with the St. Patrick's Day festival, and to provide funding throughout the year for festivals in various parts of the country. By providing funding it is intended to give the festivals a profile they did not have previously and to build on them for the future. Our plans are already in place. I have appointed Derek Keogh as the chairman of the millennium festivals committee.
If I wanted a brochure I would make a telephone call but I expect the Minister to come in here with information on the overseas tourism marketing initiative after 1999.
If the Deputy wants a statistical answer he should put down a relevant question.
Will the Minister accept he should be aware whether Bord Fáilte is implementing the Arthur D. Little report? It is not good enough to describe my question as statistical. My question asked if the principles of the Arthur D. Little report are being implemented by Bord Fáilte and his Department in relation to the 20 marketing executives.
We are continuing to implement the A.D. Little report.
How many?
We continue to break records year after year. Given the exceptionally high figures Bord Fáilte has continued to increase its revenue on a yearly basis between 8 and 10 per cent. That is a phenomenal record.
How many?