Vol. 518 No. 3
69 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation when the multi-annual tourism marketing fund promised in the national development plan will be in place; the total amount to be allocated; the way in which the funds will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11484/00]
The national development plan, published in November 1999, included a specific allocation of £150 million for a tourism marketing sub-programme over the period 2000 to 2006. The marketing sub-programme consists of two measures, a destination marketing measure and a niche marketing measure, to be funded from Ireland's first ever multi-annual tourism marketing fund. The main purpose of this fund is to finance the promotion and marketing internationally of Ireland as a tourism destination. Details of the activities envisaged are set out in paragraphs 6.97-6.100 of the national development plan. Management of the fund will incorporate a partnership arrangement, details of which are currently being finalised with Bord Fáilte and representatives of the tourism industry, and which I hope to announce shortly.
The first annual allocation under the fund has been incorporated in my Department's year 2000 Estimates – a provision of £14.4 million under a new subhead B.11.
