asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the action, if any, he plans to take on the recommendations of the White Paper issued by the Government in September 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tourism White Paper Recommendations.
99.
The White Paper on Tourism detailed a number of policy recommendations for the development of the industry. Some of these measures fall directly within my area of responsibility and the balance are the responsibility of other Ministers.
I am pleased to report that many of the recommendations have already been implemented. For example, three hotel brand marketing groups have been established and an additional £5 million was allocated to the working capital for tourism scheme administered by the Industrial Credit Corporation. Also, consultants have been commissioned to examine the effectiveness of all directly tourist-related public expenditure and their work will, it is anticipated, be completed by the end of March next.
My Department is continually monitoring progress on the implementation of the policy measures set out in the document. In addition an Inter-Departmental Policy Co-Ordination Committee, chaired by a senior official from my Department, has been established to ensure, inter alia, the fullest co-operation at departmental level in the implementation of White Paper recommendations.