Other Questions.
6 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans in place to tackle the key barriers to tourism development here as outlined in the second progress report of the high level implementation group established by him. [20251/05]
View answer14 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on a survey (details supplied) which has found that Ireland is now second only to Norway in terms of being the most expensive country in the world in which to holiday; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland continues to gain an international reputation for ripping off tourists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20292/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 14 together.
I refer the Deputies to my detailed reply to Questions Nos. 89 and 114 on 10 May last about progress on the implementation of the two-year tourism action plan. The seven key barriers to tourism development highlighted by the tourism action plan implementation group in its most recent progress report centre on concerns about competitiveness, the rate of progress in the negotiation of an EU-US open skies arrangement, additional pier and terminal facilities at Dublin Airport, restoring growth from the British market, the absence of a national conference centre, continuing uncertainty about access to the countryside and significant gaps in Dublin's cultural infrastructure. Copies of the report are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website.
There have been further developments on some of these issues since the group reported, such as Government approval of the aviation action plan on 18 May last, the submission of tenders by two consortia for the provision of a national conference centre in Dublin on 20 May and the appointment of the interim board of the National Consumer Agency on 6 June, which will ensure that the consumer agenda will be embedded more effectively in our current economic model.
The implementation group will continue its activities over the remainder of the period of the initial two-year action plan and, later this year, will convene the second forum of the tourism industry, the outcome of which will inform its final report to me. Undoubtedly, the issue of competitiveness and value for money has been the Irish tourism industry's greatest challenge over recent years. I have spoken about this frequently since I took on the tourism portfolio.
The survey referred to by the Deputy, which is neither scientific nor robust and does not include the price of access or accommodation, found that the prices of a limited number of goods were higher in Ireland than elsewhere. This does not come as any surprise. One can easily see how prices for these same goods can vary within Ireland itself. However, price and value for money are not the same. Ireland has never been promoted as a cheap holiday destination but has in the past compared well in terms of value for money when measured against other locations.
The Irish tourism industry has been working hard over the past two years or so to improve visitors' perception of value for money. Some concrete examples of its initiatives include the hundreds of special offers for overseas and domestic customers alike on the websites of the tourism agencies and the value deals offered by accommodation providers, tour operators and restaurants. Perhaps reflecting their efforts, Fáilte Ireland's visitor attitudes survey of 2004 found that in contrast with the trend of recent years, there was no deterioration over the previous year in the level of satisfaction among visitors about the cost of access, accommodation or tourism-specific services such as car hire.
We need to recognise the positive response of the industry and to be careful in our use of language. Repetitive use of negative terminology, which tars everybody with the same brush, can undermine our efforts to market Ireland abroad.
I know I am not alone in believing it is hard to beat the Irish tourism experience. We should remember that 97% of overseas visitors surveyed last year said they would recommend Ireland as a holiday destination.
Without engaging in party politics, I must state my party and I welcome the steps the Minister has been taking to deal with some of the key barriers to tourism. Some of the positive developments in the tourism sector over recent years testify to his work. However, in leaner times, given the rise in oil prices and the fact that other cheaper destinations are beginning to market their unique selling points more aggressively, we can no longer afford to rest on our laurels and we need to do a little extra.
What will the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, as opposed to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, do about the policy vacuum in respect of access to the countryside, given that there has been a consistent decline in those taking walking holidays? This is a key area.
Concerns have been expressed about a lack of proper product development and innovation and also about the regional spread of tourism. I am still concerned that the midlands and south east are not getting the same crack of the whip as the western region.
I thank Deputy Gogarty for his comments. I appreciate the constructive manner in which he approaches questions on tourism. Walkways are the responsibility of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs because they are connected to rural development. He set up Comhairle na Tuaithe which it was hoped would resolve outstanding issues between landowners and the tourism industry. We have lost share in terms of walkers entering the country because not all our walkways are open. I appeal to all landowners to whom this applies to co-operate because it is in the interest of everybody.
We have had a very sophisticated product development model in operation for some time. Some €50 million was allocated to the independent board dealing with applications and €12 million has been re-advertised and sanctioned and has yet to be allocated. The applications have arrived in the Department and are being evaluated to improve the tourism product further.
I am concerned about the regional spread of tourism. Although numbers have increased considerably, unfortunately the regional spread that obtained in the past is no longer evident. Accordingly, we have changed the marketing strategy pertaining to all our markets with a view to promoting the regions. For example, if a region has access to a given city or cities in Britain or elsewhere, we try to concentrate marketing of that region in that city or cities. Other such measures are being taken and, with a view to helping the regions, I intend to bring substantive proposals on regional tourism authorities to Government in the very near future.
I take the Minister's point as regards highlighting the negative in respect of any aspect of the country's life. However, we should not close our eyes to negative developments that can lead to a deterioration in any particular area. Here we are talking about tourism. As regards the particular survey that was the subject of Question No. 14, I know the Minister said it did not deal with accommodation. When we see, however, that the cost of holidaying in Ireland went up by 26% last year as against a decrease of 20% in the US, and an item such as film costing €6.20 here compared to €1 in South Africa, it is something that should give us pause for thought.
One of the important areas where we are losing out is as regards the English motorist. Since duty-free was abolished, there is very little attraction in coming to Ireland that way. It was pointed out at our committee last week, however, that Irish tourists going to France can purchase wine and bring it back here duty-free. Has the Minister or his colleague, the Minister for Finance, been reviewing any initiatives to make it more attractive for motorists to come here on car ferries? Essentially, is the Minister saying there is not a real problem in terms of the tourism cost base in Ireland? Is he dismissing completely the figures revealed in the survey that is the subject of Question No. 14?
I am not dismissing the figures, but they relate to specific goods so the survey could not possibly be an accurate reflection of the average cost. Some 97% of visitors to the country have stated they would recommend Ireland to a friend, which is very encouraging. I am not denying Deputy O'Shea's contention that there is a competitiveness issue. Of course there is and I am the first to acknowledge it. I agree there is no point in burying one's head in the sand, although emotive terms as regards our competitiveness are no help to the tourism industry.
As regards motorists from Britain, we would very much like to attract more because, as mentioned earlier, they go to the regions. As I indicated, a major campaign is taking place in our main markets and in particular in Britain. Only this week I launched a campaign for the tourism authorities in the west, north west and Shannon Development, which encourages people to go west. We also conducted one of the most comprehensive surveys ever undertaken on the British market last year to see how we could improve our marketing. We have done that across all sectors, and I have no doubt this will impact on the motorist as well.
On the issue of key barriers to tourism development, does the Minister share my concerns and those of many people, about the high cost for tourists when they visit the island? Has the impact of the smoking ban led to a decrease in the numbers visiting Ireland? I have been talking to a number of tourists from Spain and Portugal who assert the potential to lose between 20% and 25% of the European market exists because of the smoking ban.
Will the Minister say whether it is unacceptable to have tourists and Irish citizens standing in the rain having a cigarette and a drink? Finally, as regards the 97% of tourists who are satisfied, that is a particularly high figure. Who did the survey and what type of questions were asked?
Will the Minister update the House on the signposting programme? Various concerns have been expressed about signposting around the country. Is there a national programme in place to improve signposting, especially in this city where signposts were erected and taken down? People are very confused when they come to Dublin, especially if they are driving——
Or Dingle.
Dingle is another question. The signs have not yet been changed, but people are getting lost. Also, the Luas, while it is welcome, is creating problems around St. Stephen's Green, for example, which is a focal point for motorists if they are going to the northside of the city. I met a group of French tourists outside the Dáil the other day who were totally confused. They had been travelling around town for about an hour. They were simply trying to get to the northside and they could not get there. The Minister might update the House as to what is happening with signposts, because this was one of the key recommendations of the tourism policy group.
Perhaps the Minister would also address the whole cohesion question as regards Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. There are concerns in the tourism industry that there is no real cohesion between the two agencies. It is said that one agency is selling the whole island and that Fáilte Ireland's role is restricted.
On the smoking ban, as mentioned by Deputy Finian McGrath, this is not a negative factor at all. In fact the indications coming back are that it is positive. Far from people recoiling from the country as regards this issue, Ireland has set a precedent for other countries, which will all be following in due course.
Have tourists been asked about it?
These are the indications. We carried out a survey before the introduction of the smoking ban in the American market, to find that it is a positive feature. As regards the question of competitiveness, I have outlined my position. Offering value for money to visitors is an issue. To be fair, the industry is responding well to the challenge.
Surveys are carried out on a regular basis by Fáilte Ireland. They are presented and I am rather taken aback that Deputy Finian McGrath should be surprised that 97% of visitors would recommend a holiday in Ireland to a friend. It does not surprise me in the slightest, having been in other countries.
As regards signposting, that is obviously a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A highly ambitious programme was embarked upon in many counties. In County Kerry, at least, an excellent job was done in conjunction with Kerry County Council.
Of course there is cohesion between Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Very often, for example, as regards the sports initiative, Tourism Ireland on the international stage is the agent for Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland's role is necessarily restricted as a result of the establishment of Tourism Ireland which has responsibility for marketing the whole island of Ireland on the international stage and is doing so with a tremendous degree of success.
Visitor numbers are up overall. We certainly are at record levels. Visitor satisfaction levels are high, but surveys show there is an issue in particular as regards pricing when it comes to eating out, and also the price of drink. This affects Irish holidaymakers as well as visitors from abroad and everybody has to be extremely conscious of it. In the 2004 overseas visitor attitude survey, although satisfaction with overall value for money had not deteriorated further — it had levelled out — value for money was still the most critically rated aspect of the Irish holiday experience. I have no doubt about that.
7 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the Government will endorse the white flag for leisure and sports clubs as introduced and awarded by ILAM Ireland and An Taisce. [20249/05]
View answer11 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason he and his departmental officials have failed to contact ILAM Ireland in relation to a decision on whether to endorse the white flag for leisure and sports clubs following a meeting with the president and chief executive officer of ILAM Ireland in March 2004. [20247/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 11 together.
My Department has an excellent, long-standing and productive relationship with the Institute for Leisure and Amenity Management, ILAM Ireland, with regard to the network of high quality, appropriate and sustainable leisure sports facilities available throughout the country. My Department and ILAM have co-operated in various initiatives over the years to help promulgate standards of best practice pertaining to the provision, management and maintenance of sports and leisure facilities. Department officials have participated in numerous ILAM public seminars to consult, inform and assist local authorities, sports organisations, voluntary bodies and community organisations on details of Government sports policy and funding programmes.
Ministers have publicly endorsed ILAM's initiative in introducing the white flag awards aimed at swimming pools, sports halls, gymnasiums and other indoor leisure facilities in the public and private sectors. The awards have been welcomed and commended as an important instrument to promote the highest standards in facility management and maintenance to meet present day requirements and demands of an increasingly discerning public.
I am also pleased to congratulate ILAM and An Taisce on this scheme and its success to date. However, as I have already indicated informally to ILAM, I cannot envisage any direct role which would be appropriate for my Department in what is essentially an internal leisure industry standard, adjudication on which would be outside the role, function and expertise of the Department. I will arrange to have this position conveyed formally to ILAM.
I thank the Minister for the final sentence of his reply. He will be aware that in March 2004 he met the chief executive officer of ILAM, Mr. Killian Fisher, who recalls that at the end of a 26 minute meeting, the Minister indicated he would give the discussion due consideration before getting back to ILAM. Is he aware of ILAM's concern that he did not do so, although this may have been an oversight on the part of his Department?
Notwithstanding his comments on the lack of a direct involvement by his Department, will the Minister formally endorse the white flag system? The awards are no longer made by An Taisce, as I mistakenly indicated in my question. Given that leisure facilities are not subject to legislation or regulation, does the Minister intend in the near future to introduce legislation to regulate the sector? If so, will he use the opportunity to formalise the white flag awards? If not, will he categorically and formally endorse the awards and allow ILAM and the 11 organisations involved in the white flag jury to proceed with their important work of promoting good standards in leisure management?
I am pleased to endorse the initiative ILAM has undertaken which I welcome and commend as an important instrument to promote the highest standards in facility management and maintenance to meet today's requirements. To that extent, the initiative is welcome.
As I stated, I indicated informally to ILAM that I did not envisage any direct role which would be appropriate for my Department in what is essentially an internal leisure industry standard. Given the level of regular contact and ongoing open communication between my Department and ILAM, it is worth noting that the latter has not pursued the question of the Department's closer involvement in the operation of the white flag scheme. This indicates that the Department's participation in the adjudication process is not a critical success factor for the scheme.
This is not, incidentally, an excuse for the Department's oversight in not writing formally to ILAM on the matter. However, it appears to provide an indicator that an internal industry scheme based on functions and criteria well outside the Department's remit and expertise should flourish without the involvement of a Department. For example, the blue flag awards do not have a direct input from the Department which does not have the level of expertise required to enable examinations and testing to take place or to benchmark against relevant criteria. Unfortunately, this is also true of indoor facilities.
Would the Minister be able to present the awards?
I hope I would be able to do so.
8 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, further to previous parliamentary questions, if an additional tranche of funding will be made available for swimming pools. [20250/05]
View answerAs I indicated in replies to similar parliamentary questions on the subject on 1 December 2004 and 17 February 2005, the local authority swimming pool programme administered by my Department has been closed to new applicants since 31 July 2000. Moneys provided under my Department's multi-annual capital envelope for the programme are being committed to completing projects being progressed under that programme. The financial provision for the programme in 2005 is €32 million, an 82% increase on the 2004 expenditure of €17.6 million.
As no application was made by South Dublin County Council by the closing date of 31 July 2000, the current programme does not include the provision of a swimming pool for Lucan. My Department is carrying out an expenditure review of the programme which will assist in the formulation of future policy, including the question of the introduction of a new swimming pool programme. The review is expected to be completed later this year.
Given that the question was tabled primarily to elicit an update of the position, will the Minister give a definitive timeframe on how long it will take for additional funding to come on stream in the event that the review's recommendations in this regard are in the affirmative? How quickly would local authorities be able to apply for such funding? Would it, for example, be available in the lifetime of the Government?
The Minister referred to the position with regard to Lucan, a matter I specifically raised on previous occasions. As he is aware, the town has a large population, far in excess of towns with a swimming pool such as Birr. Carlow will get two swimming pools whereas other rapidly growing urban areas, for example, Douglas in Deputy Boyle's constituency, lack swimming pools. If the outcome of the review is positive, will it be possible to make funding available within four months of the end of the year in order that local authorities can complete the process quickly and in the lifetime of the Government to avoid being caught up in pre-election posturing?
God forbid that any of us should ever become involved in pre-election posturing. Priority must be given to the large number of swimming pools still being processed. It is not proposed to re-open the swimming pools programme at present. However, the question of doing so will be considered following an expenditure review of the programme being carried out by my Department and which is expected to be completed later this year. The review is examining issues such as how the programme has worked to date, the benefits which have accrued to areas in which pools have been built and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme.
The current programme, under which 55 projects are being or will be dealt with, has been singularly successful. Local communities have benefited considerably. Twenty-five projects have been allocated grant aid, of which 15 have been completed. Construction work has been completed on two others which are due to open shortly and a further eight are under construction. Six projects are at tender stage, 15 at contract document stage and nine at preliminary report stage.
There are 73 local authority pool facilities throughout the country, of which 63 are indoor and ten outdoor. Some, however, are open only on a seasonal basis or are not operational, with several having been closed for some time. I have no doubt a new programme will be required once we have substantially proceeded through the current programme. I sincerely hope this will take place during the course of my term as Minister or that of my successor.
If and when the Department is designing a new swimming pool programme, will consideration be given to including dry facilities such as gymnasia, sports facilities and crèches in swimming pool projects? Funding is currently restricted to wet facilities. It is important to have a broad range of facilities available within health and leisure complexes. Will the Minister consider including other elements as qualifying for funding?
The maximum grant that can be allocated for a swimming pool is €3.8 million and this does not provide the dry facilities. The problem is that there are not enough resources to go around. When facilities are being put in place, local authorities must come up with funding and if they want dry facilities they must provide them themselves. The only other vehicle for dry facilities at present is the sports capital programme.
One of the main difficulties I have experienced in the Department in recent years is that each year the demands on funds increase. This is not just due to inflation but to the fact that people's requirements are greater. Where a club was satisfied with £10,000 in 1990, today €100,000 would be the minimum demand and often clubs come looking for €1 million. The sports capital programme simply cannot sustain that sort of demand. In the same way the swimming pool programme cannot sustain the demand upon it. In any swimming pool programme that comes forward it must be ensured there is a co-operative arrangement whereby local authorities will bear a portion of the burden. Otherwise we will not be able to provide any facilities. It will not be possible for me or any future Minister to include the dry facilities with the swimming pool because of lack of resources.
9 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the support being given by his Department towards the Cork City of Culture for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20214/05]
View answerMy Department has allocated a total of €7.85 million, comprising an original €6.35 million towards programming for the event and a further €1.5 million which I approved specifically for additional new commissions and a number of larger events with mass audience appeal. EU funding of €500,000 has been provided, the event has a sponsorship target of €3.975 million and Cork City Council is to provide €3.175 million. Cork City Council has also underwritten a further €3.175 million of Cork 2005's sponsorship target. This brings the total budget for Cork 2005 to €15.5 million All Government funding to Cork 2005 is channelled through Cork City Council. To date my Department has made payments totalling €6 million to Cork City Council in respect of Cork 2005 expenditure. In addition, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are actively promoting Cork 2005 through all the avenues available to them.
Has a review been carried out by the Department of the success of the Cork City of Culture? Is it good value for money? If further demands are made of the Department for additional funding for the remainder of the year, will it be forthcoming?
We have been generous in terms of Cork City of Culture. It is proving to be a wonderful success, despite forebodings which were vented in some quarters, not least in Cork. The organising committee has done a superb, professional job and the figures, which do not lie, bear that out. In the first three months of 2005, 300,000 people attended events under Cork City of Culture, an astounding figure. Visits to cultural institutions in Cork were up 30% across the city. The number of passengers coming in through Cork Airport is up by 25% on the same period last year.
Cork City of Culture projects are now moving outdoors for the summer, with theatre and other activities that will ensure the participation of people across the city and beyond. Cork has done Ireland proud and while a review would not be appropriate now, when we look back on the year, we will be able to say that Cork did what it always does — its best — and that is usually good enough.
Has it been conveyed to the Minister that the organising committee is short of money? Will this inhibit the committee in terms of maximising the programme for the remainder of the year?
The Cork City of Culture organisers knew precisely what the funding would be. Far from staying with the original figure, the Government increased its investment. Sponsorship and benefit in kind have exceeded €5.5 million and are heading for €6 million.
It is true that when we make international comparisons with larger cities that have held the title of European City of Culture, Cork's budget is not as high but if we compare the spend per head of population the amount being spent in Cork is above the average. An event like this is not just about money, it is also about participation, community and involvement. The involvement that was anticipated and sought is happening and I am pleased about that. It should be remembered that this is a two-way track. It is not a question of Cork exhibiting its own cultural heritage, it is also about Europe doing likewise in Cork.
The Minister will agree that the greatest drama will take place this summer in Páirc Uí Chaoimh when Kerry will play Cork in the Munster final, if they overcome Limerick. Does the Minister agree a definitive statement should be issued on the future of Cork School of Music? Could the outstanding difficulties be cleared up so it could go ahead as soon as possible?
I have no doubt that the drama in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a long-running saga in many acts, will give great joy and entertainment to our fellow countymen and women.
Returning to the topic, the organisers of Cork City of Culture have ensured that events being put on in the city are innovative, imaginative and attractive. When the entire year is reviewed, we will be proud of what has happened in Cork.
10 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received the Irish Sports Council’s assessment of the conclusions to its consideration of the review of Ireland’s performance at the Athens Olympics; if an operational plan has been developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20282/05]
View answerIn July 2004, the Irish Sports Council, in conjunction with the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Paralympic Council of Ireland, commissioned the Athens review to produce an objective assessment of the preparation and performance of the Irish Teams at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens 2004. The review was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of all aspects of the programmes and structures over the course of the four-year cycle leading into the Athens games with a view to making recommendations for the development of programmes for the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. The final report, which was published on 2 March 2005, draws on the lessons of the past four years and on international experience to set out how we can achieve consistent success at Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Irish Sports Council has completed its assessment of the conclusions and recommendations of the Athens review and has prepared its operational plan, which addresses key performance indicators, timescales and costings and identifies the roles of the various agencies, as it supports Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic preparations for Beijing.
I have just received the council's detailed proposals and my Department is undertaking its consideration of the operational plan. The plan encompasses elements such as the introduction of targeted sport performance plans, including prioritising junior, development and elite athletes; a review of the international carding scheme; proposals for the development of an Irish institute of sport; maintaining and enhancing the role of the Olympic and Paralympic performance committees to ensure optimum co-operation in the preparation and performance of the Irish team for the Beijing Olympic Games; and the strengthening of the Olympic Council of Ireland's administrative capacities.
I will ensure that the details of the plan are given immediate attention in my Department, including any associated funding implications. I will then be in touch with the Sports Council at the earliest possible date to help ensure that appropriate, effective interventions will underpin Ireland's preparations for Beijing and beyond.
I welcome that the detailed proposals from the Irish Sports Council's assessments of the conclusions and recommendations of the Athens review are with the Minister. Does he intend to publish the report? On the Minister's reply to a similar question on 10 May 2005, what does he consider a reasonable timescale to achieve a major benefit from improved and sustained investment, focused on the most talented athletes? Will he expand on his statement of 10 May 2005 that there must be a focus on junior and developing athletes? What discussions, if any, has he had with the Minister for Education and Science in this regard?
There is no difficulty in publishing the report. The development of high performance athletes requires a long-term approach. There is no point in believing it can be done overnight. Research indicates it takes ten years of training to develop an elite athlete. It must be remembered that the Irish Sports Council's high performance strategy was only published in 2002. Our strategy is a long-term one. I do not want this misinterpreted, as it was before, to mean that Ireland will not win an Olympic medal for the next 16 years. If we are to make a meaningful input into the development of our sportsmen and women, it will take time.
The timescale involved is at least ten years. If we are to have success across a range of disciplines on a consistent basis, we need to implement the high performance athletes strategy. This includes the international carding scheme and enhancement programmes. I hope we will see further developments on an infrastructural level, in particular in the sports medicine context. The strategy being pursued is the correct one and will yield results. In the interim, we may have success of a more sporadic nature. However, the plan in place is a good one.
For example, New Zealand, a country of a similar size to Ireland, embarked on a strategy 20 years ago to ensure that it had a good yield at major international sporting events such as the Olympics. It has happened on a consistent basis for New Zealand since then. I aim to ensure that Ireland does the same. Whoever succeeds me in this position will seek to do likewise.
There are three years to go to the Beijing games. It is important that the strategy and the various recommendations be put in place as soon as possible. What is the Minister's view on the creation of an institute of sport, as has been recommended in all the reports?
I strongly favour the introduction of an institute of sport. The difficulty, like everything else, is to secure funding for such a project. I am a strong supporter of the Abbotstown campus project. I want to see a necklace of sporting centres, such as the aquatic centre, and that we have an adequate campus facility.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
