Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2004
85 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism further to the Estimates he announced for 2005 recently, the way in which he intends to spend the increased allocation for tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31417/04]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the total allocation for tourism services in 2005 is almost €123 million, which constitutes an 8% increase over the 2004 figure. The increase of 14% in the tourism marketing fund to almost €35.8 million builds on the increased funding provided in 2004. This will help support and refresh the promotion drive by Tourism Ireland Ltd., in key overseas markets.
Increased funding of €3.6 million is being provided to Fáilte Ireland, which will be used in part to provide for new and expanded policy measures in 2005 to address marketing, human resource development and regional and research objectives. The increased level of funding will also support the recently completed restructuring of the tourism State agencies, with the establishment of Tourism Ireland Ltd., and Fáilte Ireland, and will help advance work on implementing the recommendations of the Tourism Policy Review Group, which set out a new vision and strategy for Irish tourism for the period to 2012.
