Michael Finucane
Ceist:96 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the funds, if any, his Department provides for each of the fishing boards for the promotion of angling. [20131/97]
Written Answers. - Angling Development.
Michael Finucane
Ceist:97 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the arrangements, if any, which are in place between his Department and the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation for the international promotion of angling. [20132/97]
I propose taking Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.
The Department has provided over £13 million of Exchequer and EU funding this year to the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards to cover current, capital and EU tourism angling development expenditure. In addition the Boards generate up to £2 million annually in own resources. Within the overall envelope of available funding which covers protection, development and water quality management as well as ongoing administative and operational costs, the boards engage in angling promotional activity including production of information leaflets and guides, attending overseas promotion and organising angling events.
There is, however, general agreement that the overseas promotion of the tourism angling product needs to be significantly and urgently improved in terms of co-ordination, funding, research and focus. Sustained promotion of the tourism angling product is essential in order to maximise the returns from the significant spend under way through the tourism angling measure of the tourism operational programme on the development of angling facilities around the country to the best international standards.
I am pleased to advise therefore that in order to address the overseas marketing issue as a priority, it has been decided to transfer £300,000 from the tourism angling measure to a tourism marketing fund to promote angling market research and promotion overseas. My Department is working closely with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards and all relevant agencies to ensure the success of this important initiative.