The objectives of the Operational Programme for Tourism mid-term evaluation are to identify any adjustments which should be made, financial and otherwise, within and across sub-programmes and measures to the operational programme; to ensure the achievement of its targets; and, should it prove necessary, to make recommendations for the amendment of the programme's targets. Paragraph 10 (20) of the operational programme provides the following:
As this will be a six year Programme, it is planned to undertake the review of the operational Programme after three years. The review may be undertaken by an independent evaluator. The purpose of this will be to assess performance to date and to recommend to the Programme Monitoring Committee any changes needed to secure the aims and objectives of the programme by the end of 1999.
The mid-term evaluator is concluding his work and the mid-term evaluation is due to be completed on 14 February this year. It will then issue to each member of the monitoring committee of the operational programme. A number of meetings will follow subsequent to that and in due course the CSF committee under the Department of Finance will discuss that matter with the European Commission.
The points raised by the Deputy about value for work and any necessary adjustment will be taken into account in that evaluation. As Minister, I can communicate directly to the European Commission if, following the mid-term evaluation, I consider there are other issues, such as those raised by the Deputy, not catered for.