My Department plays the lead role in co-ordinating State expenditure on tourism.
As I indicated in response to a previous similar parliamentary question, the primary vehicle for grant-aiding tourism currently is the Operational Programme for Tourism (1994-1999). A co-ordinating committee, chaired by my Department, meets on a regular basis to ensure a coherent approach to the administration of the programme. The committee is comprised of representatives of all agencies involved in implementing and administering the programme, including the Departments of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Education, Marine, and Tourism and Trade, Bord Fáilte, Central Fisheries Board, CERT, Office of Public Works and Shannon Development.