Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

130 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to use successful Irish sports people to boost Irish tourism abroad; and the degree of co-operation with the very successful Jordan Formula 1 racing team.

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. McCreevy)

Under the recent budget, I was allocated an additional £5 million for tourism development and promotion. I have set aside £1.25 million of that sum for projects which will associate Ireland's leading sporting and artistic personalities and events with tourism marketing.

I am at present exploring the possibility of using the popularity of these people, including the Jordan grand prix team, and these events, to promote the image of Ireland, and I expect to be able to announce the first of a number of initiatives shortly.