Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 8

Written Answers. - Bord Fáilte Funding.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

54 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the call made by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation in its end of year review for additional funds for Bord Fáilte specifically for overseas promotion; if he intends to provide additional funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. McCreevy)

I am aware of the comment made by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation in the context of its review of tourism performance during 1993 and priorities for 1994.

However, I should mention that performance for the 1993 season is in line with the growth targets set by the Government. According to preliminary forecasts compiled by Bord Fáilte from the available Central Statistics Office returns the number of overseas visitors is estimated at 3.27 million, equivalent to a 5 per cent increase over 1992. Despite the recessionary climate in Britain and the United States and the fact that travel within Europe was stagnant total foreign exchange earnings are expected to exceed £1.3 billion for the first time ever.

The prospects for further growth are good in 1994 given the economic recovery internationally. An increasingly solid expansion is underway in the US and Canada. The recovery in the UK is well established and the indications are that in some European countries, the low point of economic activity has been passed.

I would now like to outline to the House the resources that are being made available for tourism promotion during 1994. This year, there will be £21.7 million available directly to Bord Fáilte to provide for its tourism promotional functions. In addition the House will already be aware from our discussions earlier today that a further £3 million was provided in my 1994 Estimates for special marketing programmes and more recently a further £5 million was provided in the budget. It is also planned to make provision in the new Operational Programme for Tourism for a marketing programme over six years costing £130 million with European Regional Development Fund assistance of over £50 million. In the expenditure of much of this additional funding Bord Fáilte will obviously be involved in the context of its operational and reporting relationship with my Department.

These measures quite clearly demonstrate the Governments commitment to accelerate the development of the tourism sector and I am quite confident that, through the adequate resources that are being made available, the sector can continue to expand and increase its contribution to our national well being.