Vol. 495 No. 5
34 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has given any indications to tourism promotion agencies regarding future development of tourism facilities; if so, the nature and extent of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20589/98]
The current vehicle for the development of tourism facilities to the end of the century is the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999. With just over one Year to run to the end of the programme, it is expected that tourism performance in 1999 will far outstrip targets set in the programme, for both foreign exchange earnings and employment numbers. Almost all the funds have now been committed.
In the context of EU funding for 2000-2006, I believe a new direction and strategic approach needs to be adopted. This should involve the private and public sectors and the EU operating in an enhanced partnership which reflects the transition in strengths and capabilities which have taken place in Irish tourism.
My Department has prepared a discussion paper on the matter and this has been circulated to the relevant State agencies and representative groups for the industry. Discussions are currently taking place with these bodies with a view to developing a shared strategy for the continued development of the tourism product in the context of EU Structural Funding post 1999.
