I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
The Local Government Act, 1991, provides for each local authority to engage in such activities as it considers necessary or desirable. The local authorities have certain developed responsibilites which have been provided for under statute by the Minister for the Environment which includes discretionary powers to engage in tourism related activities. I would expect that the local authorities through their participation and representation on the boards of management and county committees of the regional tourism organisations, will continue to contribute to tourism in their localities and that any future plans that councils may have for supporting development of the sector will be considered in that context. I would also like to recognise the valuable contribution that the members of the county tourism committees make to the development of tourism in their respective counties.