Vol. 634 No. 5
66 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the establishment of a tourism standing committee comprising key Departments and State agencies with a view to ensuring a co-ordinated approach to decision making and implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11693/07]
I understand a Tourism Council operated during the 1990s. It contained representatives of various Departments and State agencies and was chaired by the then Minister for Tourism and Trade. Despite some early progress and enthusiasm, the council had a mixed experience. As its operation was not particularly satisfactory, it eventually petered out. I understand the establishment of a similar body was considered but not recommended by the tourism policy review group in 2003.
While I fully appreciate the concerns which underpin the Deputy's question, many of the issues that impact on tourism do not come under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism alone. If the potential of the tourism industry is to be fully realised, key policies and decisions should reflect the needs of the sector. This was recognised as a critical issue by the tourism policy review group. Rather than recommending the establishment of a tourism strategy committee, the review group decided to focus on the development of an intensive bilateral engagement with key Departments and State agencies on priority issues.
Following publication of the review group's report in September 2003, I established a group to monitor implementation of the tourism action plan. While the implementation group contained considerable tourism expertise, it was not a cross-departmental group. During the two years of its existence, the group and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism engaged directly with a number of other Departments and State agencies on key issues which affected the tourism development agenda. The meetings of the implementation group which focused on specific issues or themes were attended by representatives of relevant Departments and State agencies, usually at the level of Secretary General or chief executive officer.
This model which has worked well is supported by the tourism sector which is actively engaged in the process. The implementation group reported that it was satisfied with the degree of progress in implementing the bulk of the recommendations contained in the action plan of the New Horizons report. In May 2006 I appointed a successor group, the tourism strategy implementation group, to advise on implementation of the outstanding recommendations of the New Horizons report. This new implementation group is continuing to meet. It will host a tourism forum in April, to which representatives of the tourism sector will be invited.
I asked this question because it was obvious that several Departments had some connection with and involvement in the development of the tourism industry. It often seems that certain Departments do not know what others are doing. I will give the Minister some examples of what I am talking about. When I was travelling on one of the new super trains recently, I was told that bicycles could not be transported on them. The efforts of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to promote cycling as a holiday activity are being stymied by the introduction by the Department of Transport, through CIE, of new trains which cannot carry bicycles. I was in attendance when the Minister recently launched a new walks committee under the aegis of the Irish Sports Council. It seems the committee will operate independently of the walks development unit of Tourism Ireland. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is responsible for the development of the tourism product in coastal areas but it does not seem to engage in great contact with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in that regard.
Decisions being taken in the Departments I have mentioned, as well as the Departments of Finance; Education and Science; and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, impinge on the tourism product and affect the future of the tourism industry. It is obvious that there is little communication between the various Departments and the lead Department in this regard — the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. Other countries have established bodies to co-ordinate their responses to various issues in this area. The tourism industry will increase in importance as the agriculture and fishing industries continue to decline in many rural areas. Tourism is our main hope. A number of reports I have seen have recommended a greater focus on joined-up thinking and cross-departmental co-operation, but it is obvious that such progress is not happening. I strongly recommend that we take such an approach.
When I became Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, I decided to establish the tourism policy review group to examine the tourism industry and ascertain how a greater degree of interaction between the relevant Departments and State agencies could be facilitated. The review group which operated successfully under the chairmanship of Mr. John Travers produced a report that contained over 70 recommendations. When I received that report, I established an implementation review group to monitor implementation of the review group's recommendations. The implementation review group has successfully engaged with Departments and agencies on their implementation. It has worked successfully with the Secretaries General of various Departments and the chief executives of various State agencies. I recently established a follow-on group to ensure the action plan was implemented. This group is monitoring implementation of the rest of the proposals from the review group's report.
I am satisfied that the sector benefits from a far greater degree of co-operation and co-operation than used to be the case. The current leader of the Fine Gael Party, Deputy Kenny, established the Tourism Council when he was Minister for Tourism and Trade. I am sure he would agree that the council did not work, unfortunately, and eventually petered out.
The proposed committee would be totally different.
The group I mentioned is successful and is working.
That is not the recommendation I have made.
The level of co-operation and co-ordination seen is unprecedented.
There is a lack of co-ordination.
I agree with Deputy Deenihan's proposal. When I attended a meeting of anglers in Athy yesterday, those present expressed major concern that many of the English angling clubs which used to come to their part of the country each year were no longer doing so because there was a scarcity of fish in the rivers in the south Kildare area. The two representatives of the Southern Regional Fisheries Board who attended the meeting said the board was not getting enough funding from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to provide the necessary protection, etc. A major tourist attraction in my local area is suffering because the Department is not committed to its development. It is obvious that tourists are suffering as a result. I mention this case to highlight the need for interdepartmental resolve to ensure every aspect of the tourism industry is supported. I ask the Minister to talk to his colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, about the many problems being faced by those involved in the coarse fishing sector, in particular. Many international magazines are reporting that Ireland is not as attractive an angling destination, especially for those interested in coarse fishing, as it used to be. Such factors are having a detrimental effect on the progress being made with this part of the tourism industry.
I have established a group to monitor implementation of the plans outlined in the New Horizons report.
It is not a statutory body.
It is obvious the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, can answer questions about the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. A number of initiatives have been undertaken in recent times with a view to increasing participation in angling tourism. I accept that there has been a reduction in the number of anglers coming to this country from overseas. A substantial number of such tourists used to come in the late 1990s, but that number halved in the following six or seven years. The Government has taken steps in recent times to examine whether that trend can be reversed. The House is aware of the measures upon which we have embarked. We will see an increase in the number of angling tourists in the future. The central and regional fisheries boards are aware of the need to replenish the rivers.
67 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the activities of the National Sports Campus; the number of people that have utilised the facilities; the expected development of the stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11532/07]
75 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his intentions in regard to the development of the remainder of the Abbotstown site; if it will be in the context of Campus Stadium Ireland or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11768/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 75 together.
With regard to the overall development of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown, the House is aware that the Government has provided €149 million under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 for the development of a campus of sports facilities. This comprises €119 million to fund phase 1 of the campus project and €30 million, committed at this stage, towards the development of further facilities in the next phase of development.
The facilities to be provided in phase 1 of the development will meet the indoor and outdoor training needs of Irish elite sportspersons, who compete at national and international levels and will also provide for the needs of the local community. Preliminary planning for this phase has commenced and the National Sports Campus Development Authority is currently preparing a tender to appoint a design and project management team for the project. It is too early in the development stage of the project for projected statistics of use of the facilities but the national governing bodies have confirmed their willingness to use the facility extensively when it is developed.
The facilities provided in phase 1 of the project will include a national field sports training centre catering for rugby, soccer, Gaelic games and hockey; a national indoor training centre that will provide world class training facilities for over 30 governing bodies of sport; accommodation for sports men and women; sports science and medical facilities; all-weather synthetic pitches for community use and renovation of existing buildings to cater for needs identified by sports bodies.
The Government decision for this stage of development included agreement to move the headquarters of the FAI to the former State laboratory building at Abbotstown. Planning permission for a change of use of the State laboratory was secured and work on the building is about to get under way. Subject to suitable terms on the lease being finalised, it is expected the FAI will relocate there during this year. It is also intended to provide a headquarters for the Irish Institute of Sport by refurbishing an existing building on the site and the institute should be based there later this year.
A planning study for the Abbotstown site has recently been completed by an inter-agency group, including my Department, which was undertaken under the provisions of the Fingal county development plan. This study sets out the mix of sporting, leisure, and amenity facilities that would be appropriate for the site. The planning study was presented to Fingal County Council and was considered at a council meeting on 12 March. A proposal to change the zoning of a large portion of the site to open space to allow for sports use and for the woodland area of the site to be zoned high amenity will be considered by the council before the summer.
In January, under the National Sports Campus Development Authority Act 2006, I established the National Sports Campus Development Authority on a statutory basis to succeed in function and responsibility Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Company Ltd, CSID. To coincide with the new authority, I appointed a board comprising a judicious mix of the board members of the former company CSID and some new faces who will bring expertise to the tasks facing the new authority, under the chairmanship of Mr. Dan Flinter. In addition to overseeing the development of phase 1 of the campus, I have requested that the new board would identify and prioritise the next phase of the development of the Abbotstown project.
The National Aquatic Centre, NAC, which was the first facility on the site, was restored to the direct control of what is now the National Sports Campus Development Authority in November 2006. This brought closure of an unhappy chapter for that facility. The operation of the NAC is now managed by a subsidiary company of the National Sports Campus Development Authority. I am pleased to say the business of the centre is operating satisfactorily — the facility is now in good condition and a full check on the total facility is being carried out with a view to putting the centre on a footing which is appropriate to the standard of service it is capable of delivering. The Abbotstown facilities, when completed, will provide a much needed range of training and competitive facilities for our sportspersons who continue to represent our country with passion, pride and success.
The NAC is a flagship development on the campus. Will the Minister confirm that extensive repairs have been carried out in recent times and that the building company, Ascon Rohcon, has been on site for some weeks, confirming that there were large defects in the original building? This side of the House maintained the fine building should be repaired because it was built speedily. What was the extent of the repairs? Has the snag list been resolved? Since the subsidiary of National Sports Campus Development Authority took over the centre it is reportedly losing a considerable amount of money in running costs.
I do not have the figures for the running costs. This is an extremely successful development, with thousands of people visiting it every year.
Is it making money? Everyone knows it is successful.
There was a legal case involving Dublin Waterworld Ltd and CSID was obliged to initiative legal proceedings against the former for forfeiture of the lease at the NAC because of its failure to comply with obligations under the lease. The NAC was taken over by CSID, which is now the National Sports Campus Development Authority. There was a snag list and, as with all construction projects, there is a process for dealing with any snags that arise. Dublin Waterworld Ltd refused to facilitate access to the centre while a dispute about the lease was in progress. The final snag list is not yet satisfactorily resolved. Some €23,000 has been retained and will not be paid until the snag list has been completed. Getting these matters resolved is a long, drawn out process in projects of this magnitude. Work will resume and remaining issues will be resolved without delay. If there are any structural defects this is a matter for Rohcon.
Will the 30 national sporting organisations have a presence at the campus or will the total operation of each organisation be undertaken from Abbotstown? What will be the cost of this? Will premises be leased for an annual fee?
It is not intended that the headquarters of each body be located at Abbotstown in the near future. The FAI headquarters will move there immediately and the Institute of Sport will be there by the end of the year. Other national governing bodies of sport will move headquarters to Abbotstown. The training centre provided under phase 1 will provide world class training facilities for over 30 governing bodies of sport. It will not be an accommodation centre but a training centre for minority sports. For example, there will be a basketball court for Basketball Ireland. This will enable elite athletes from the governing bodies of sport to reach their full potential. Back-up will be provided by the Institute of Sport, providing medical, nutritional and physiological advice. The intention is to ensure our athletes have the same back-up as those in other countries. The vision is that this commences the construction of a necklace with pearls of varying sizes being added at varying intervals by various Governments until the necklace is complete.
The Minister and the Taoiseach announced the establishment of the Institute of Sport some time ago. Legislation will be needed to underpin the establishment. Will there be time to rush through legislation? Will the Minister refer briefly to the relationship between the new institute and Coaching Ireland in Limerick? The experts will be in the institute, while the coaches will be developed in Limerick. Has the Minister determined what the relationship will be between the two bodies? The Institute of Sport will obviously include science and medical personnel, while the coaching staff in Limerick will, no doubt, include all the top coaches.
Since time and tide wait for no man, I do not anticipate that we will be in a position to push through the legislation for the Institute of Sport this session. I anticipate, however, that the legislation will be introduced some time this year in order to put the institute on a statutory footing. Clearly, it will be a matter for the Minister, whoever he or she will be, to decide what direction the institute should take. I have views of my own to which he or she may have access if I am not in office.
On the relationship of the Institute of Sport with the University of Limerick, it is the intention that the institute will have a great deal of contact with a number of universities, the University of Limerick, in particular, which has been enormously successful. The National Coaching Centre hosted more than 20 athletes who went on to win Olympic medals. That is indicative of the standard of facilities and personnel located at the centre. However, the Institute of Sport will have its headquarts at Abbotstown. While the arrangements between the headquarters and constituent parts of the organisation have yet to be fully ironed out, suffice it to say the University of Limerick will play an active part in the development of facilities for the institute and related matters.
68 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason Ireland is not a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in view of the importance of that body as an instrument for tourism research and policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11750/07]
The World Tourism Organisation, WTO, was established in 1975 to replace the International Union of Official Travel Organisations, whose membership comprised the national tourism organisations of more that 80 countries, including Ireland. The WTO became a specialised agency of the United Nations in 2003. Ireland has never been a member of the WTO. I note that a number of other EU countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland and Sweden are not included in the current list of members. I understand the USA is also not a member.
For most tourism administrations, the most useful aspect of WTO activity has been its role in compiling international tourism statistics. Fáilte Ireland has long co-operated with the WTO in this area and, as a result of supplying statistics to the organisation, receives full access to WTO statistical information.
The question of Irish membership of the WTO has been considered on a number of occasions since 1975. The consistent opinion has been that the potential benefits to Irish tourism are limited and would not justify the costs involved. Both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland have access to WTO reports and indicated that Irish membership would not result in any improvement in information access. Neither do they view funding for membership of the WTO as a priority. When the question of membership was considered in 2003, it was estimated that the annual cost of Irish membership would be over €140,000 and it is likely to be even higher for future years. It is not clear if additional calls for funding support will arise.
Since the WTO was established in 1975, the scale and performance of the Irish tourism industry has changed beyond measure and I doubt that membership of the WTO would have added significantly to that performance. The Deputy will be aware of the record performance in 2006 when over 7.7 million overseas visitors came to the country, generating almost €4.7 billion in associated revenue. While I was pleased to secure a record level of Exchequer funding for the tourism services budget in 2007, it is also my responsibility to ensure money is used for the most efficient and productive reasons. Accordingly, while there is a cost to WTO membership, there are limited tangible benefits. I do not propose, therefore, to change Ireland's long-standing policy of non-membership at this stage.
The sum of €140,000 would seem a small price to pay for sitting around the table with some of the leading players in world tourism, including some of our main competitors. Tourism will become an even greater driver of economic activity with the decline of other native industries such as agriculture and fisheries. As a wealthy country that is doing well, Ireland surely must play its role in international tourism innovation and research. We have much to give, but also much to learn. It is not doing our status as a driver of world tourism activity any good not being involved with this organisation, the recognised body for world tourism. There are benefits to be gained. Possibly the WTO might hold its annual conference in Ireland, in which case the Minister would recoup whatever investments were made. He would make important contacts with other countries which would be of benefit to business tourism interests which his Department are pushing at this time. The WTO is an official UN agency and can facilitate close working relationships with other countries.
Every day in Ireland we speak of product innovation but our own product has gone stale and is tired. We know what is happening in other countries. I know it may be read over the Internet, but it is only when one comes face to face with experts from other countries that one learns about what is happening in world tourism. The Minister has not read this issue correctly. The next Minister will have to look seriously at it. I ask the Minister to have the Secretary General of his Department, Mr. Haugh, to take a serious look at it, to review the benefits in view of the developments that have occurred within the organisation in recent years and the fact that it is driving the tourism sector across the world, Third World countries included. There are Third World countries which are members of the WTO. As we have an obligation towards least developed states, surely this would be a very important forum to which be a member, if only to provide assistance for them, given our successful experience in attracting tourists.
For 30 years and more this country has not been a member of the WTO. I have to refute the Deputy's contention that our product is old and stale. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Minister should read the recent report compiled by Fáilte Ireland. His own agency stated it.
The increase in the number of visitors last year to 7.7 million is clear evidence that a great many do not agree with the Deputy.
Is the Minister refuting what Fáilte Ireland stated? It is mentioned on the first page of its report.
Fáilte Ireland has long co-operated with the WTO in the publication of tourism statistics.
As regards our product being tired, it is mentioned on the first page of the report.
The Minister to continue without interruption.
I am just clarifying the position.
As I said, Fáilte Ireland has long co-operated with the WTO in the compilation of tourism statistics. As a result of supplying statistics to the organisation, it has full access to WTO statistical material. Tourism Ireland also enjoys full access to WTO reports and analysis for little or no charge. I see little point, therefore, in eking out €140,000 of taxpayer's money to join an organisation from which there will be no additional benefit.
We pay out €900 million every year in overseas aid.
It would be absolutely pointless and I do not intend to do so now. The incoming Minister might have a different view on the matter, which is fine with me. However, it is my opinion that it is not worthwhile joining the WTO. It would have been fine to join to see whether it would be possible to attract additional tourism business but the reality is that tourism is one of the most competitive businesses in the world. Far from helping one another, members of the WTO are in hard competition with one another. Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, it is a tough world and we are in competition with all WTO members.
We must learn from each other too.
69 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions that have been held with other Departments, including the Department of Education and Science, with a view to seeking additional funding for the Arts Council for educational projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11722/07]
A special committee was established to advise the Arts Council on how best to align the council's strategies for the promotion and encouragement of the arts with the priorities of the formal education system. The arts and education committee members are Mary Nunan, Arts Council member, Jerome Morrissey, National Centre for Training in Technology, Pat MacSitric, assistant chief inspector, Department of Education and Science, Mr. Derek West, chair of National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, Orlaith McBride, Arts Council member. The committee is due to report with its recommendations, in May, after which consideration can be given to their implementation and any possible funding requirements.
In its deliberations, the committee will have regard to the wide-ranging demands on the school curriculum bearing in mind that responsibility for determining its content rests with the Minister for Education and Science. It will have regard to the need to prioritise and cost its recommendations; that these recommendations must have regard both to their resource implications for the Arts Council and the budgetary resources available over the next four years to the Minister for Education and Science for the development of services in the education sector which must be allocated to fund existing policy commitments. Subject to these factors, it will consider the identification of what additional sources of funding, if any, might be available to fund its recommendations and the roles and partnerships appropriate for relevant State and other agencies and bodies in this context, including the Department of Education and Science, the Arts Council, vocational committees and local authorities. The focus of the special committee's advice should be on making specific and deliverable recommendations for implementation over three to five years.
Giving the arts a higher, more consistent profile at both primary and post-primary levels, can bring significant benefits to students. It is important to stress this applies to all students and not just to those who are recognised as being particularly gifted artistically. As the future of the arts resides with our children, it is vital the arts are embedded in our education system at all levels. I look forward to seeing the results of the committee's work and am committed to encouraging participation in the arts as part of our children's education.
Any question of funding to implement the recommendations of the committee will be addressed in the context of the 2008 Estimates process. During my tenure, I have been singular in my objective to enhance the resourcing of the arts and culture sector. I have taken the sector from the periphery of the policy circle to its very core. For 2007, I secured more than €216 million for the arts and culture sector. The national development plan has allocated more than €900 million for capital projects in the area. Unquestionably, neither I nor this Government has been found deficient in funding the arts and culture sector.
Will the Minister acknowledge the provision of a dedicated funding channel is necessary for the Arts Council? Will he meet regularly with the Arts Council? With Deputy Boyle, I have met Arts Council representatives regularly and their one constant comment is that the council does not have the moneys to secure performing arts and other art forms to attend schools and enhance the primary and secondary schools curriculum.
The Green Party has announced that if in government, it will provide an additional €10 million from education funding to the Arts Council. Is the Minister prepared to push for this through his Department or in consultations with the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin? The arts play an important role in society in assisting in developing students' creativity which can lead to better, more rounded individuals who will ultimately benefit the economy.
After the establishment of the Arts Council, I established a committee to examine policy for the traditional arts. Subsequently, the committee's report set out a policy framework. It was accepted there was no coherent policy for the traditional arts and they were under-resourced. As a result of the policy document being accepted by the Arts Council, we succeeded in funding the traditional arts. Ever since, they have been flowering.
Following on from this, I established the education and arts committee under Mary Nunan. It is continuing its deliberations with a view to producing a policy document which will be presented some time in May. In the autumn during the Estimates process I hope that under the tenure of whoever is the Minister responsible, the arts and education policy document will be implemented with the same fervour, enthusiasm and enlightenment as the traditional arts policy was.
70 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will expand on his recent comments regarding his hope that Croke Park would be made available for soccer and rugby beyond 2007 and 2008; the expected scenarios that would arise if the GAA do not grant such permission; if he has had discussions with the GAA, the FAI and the IRFU regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11734/07]
The question of the GAA continuing with its policy of accommodating rugby and soccer in Croke Park is one for the GAA alone to decide. It has always been my policy not to interfere in this matter. I pay tribute to the GAA for agreeing to accommodate international rugby and soccer matches in Croke Park in 2007. I commend the association on its decision of 17 February last, which will allow for the use of Croke Park for rugby and soccer internationals in 2008. The Lansdowne Road stadium will not be completed until 2009 and may not be available for games until 2010. I would hope the GAA would be in a position to accommodate the FAI and the IRFU in 2009. This would benefit all sporting fans in ensuring that important international fixtures are accommodated on Irish soil.
In January 2004, the Government agreed to provide funding of €191 million to the joint IRFU-FAI project for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium as a 50,000-capacity all-seater stadium. The recent decision taken by An Bord Pleanála has now cleared the wayfor the redevelopment to commence. The Lansdowne Road facility will be out of commission for a period. A welcome agreement has been reached between the GAA, IRFU and the FAI with regard to international rugby and soccer fixtures in 2007 and 2008. Whether a similar agreement can be reached in 2009 is a matter for the three organisations involved.
The staging of the Six Nations rugby internationals against France and England at Croke Park was a resounding success. Furthermore, Ireland's European Championship qualifier against Wales on Saturday, before a crowd of more than 70,000 spectators and watched by many more at home, was another historic occasion. I am particularly pleased these matches have given international exposure to the GAA and Croke Park. No longer is the facility Ireland's best kept secret but rather a stadium which is the envy of the world. I look forward to further great entertainment when the remaining international rugby and the soccer fixtures take place there over the next two years. Tonight, I hope we will be celebrating at the expense of our friends from Slovakia.
Hear, hear.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
