Tony Killeen
Ceist:5 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade whether he intends to sanction the investment of additional State funding in the Gulliver system. [18941/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gulliver Tourist Information System.
As I will be indicating in reply later today to separate questions on this subject, the concept and development of the Gulliver Tourist Information system has since its inception evolved in Bord Fáilte as part of their ongoing marketing programme. Consequently, I understand that the Board has, since the work began, allocated funding for expenditure on the system from their annual grant-in-aid. The Board has also received funding towards Gulliver developments from revenues generated by Gulliver operations itself, the Northern Ireland Board who are a partner with Bord Fáilte in the systems, the EU and the IFI.
There have been no specific financial provisions made in the Tourism Vote up to now for the development of this system and there are no proposals to do so.
As I am sure the Minister is aware, there is much dissatisfaction in the industry with elements of the Gulliver system. This is reflected in the number of actions being taken. Does the Minister propose to instruct Bord Fáilte to adopt a new system in place of the Gulliver system?
Bord Fáilte has been a pioneer in this area. Although information technology is advancing at a rapid rate, the potential of the Gulliver system is enormous. I would be the first to admit however that it has not been as successful as expected. It is owned partly by Bord Fáilte and partly by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Following the analysis of Bord Fáilte's performance by A.D. Little, and subsequent to that, progress has been made towards taking on partnership and outsourcing of the Gulliver system. For example, on 19 September this year the prospectus was issued in respect of this and a number of companies have been shortlisted, representative of which are now having discussions on taking on partnership in the system. I hope to have the results of that in due course. There is enormous potential for this system and while it has not lived up to its initial reputation, I hope that can be rectified.
I agree with the Minister that the Gulliver system has enormous potential which it has not reached. I understand one of the reasons is that sufficient funding is not available to develop the system to the standard required. I am disappointed the Minister has no intention of providing additional State funding for the system. Will he encourage Bord Fáilte and other interests to accept one of the other systems which have some attractions for people in the trade?
The Director General of Bord Fáilte will be before the Committee of Public Accounts to discuss this and other matters and he will be able to give details about the Gulliver system. The total expenditure on the project between 1990 and 1995 was £10.2 million. Additional funding was not provided for it in the Department's Vote. Bord Fáilte's allocation came from its own annual grant-in-aid. Following the analysis of Bord Fáilte's performance by A.D. Little and the current position as far as Gulliver being outsourced is concerned, I am anxious to reform and progress this into a first class system, which was the initial intention. This was a pioneering technological concept and I hope everyone will recognise it for what it is worth.
Was any other question taken with Question No. 4?
I am not aware of it. No grouping is allowed as a result of recent procedures adopted by the House.
I understood we have gone past the time for Priority Questions.
I said I would take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 in ordinary time.