Bernard Allen
Ceist:251 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, he has taken to have more joint venture sport and recreational facilities as promised in An Action Programme for the Millennium. [11913/99]
Written Answers. - An Action Programme for the Millennium.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:252 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, being taken to upgrade the regional tourism organisations as set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium. [11914/99]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:253 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, being taken for the use of the tax system to encourage tourism investment; and the new initiatives, if any, undertaken in the last financial year as set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium. [11915/99]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:254 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the position regarding the establishment of a tourism development fund as set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium. [11916/99]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:255 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will give an up to date statement on the reassessment of Bord Failte's marketing campaign as set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium. [11917/99]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:258 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the specific commitments set out in An Action Programme for the Millennium which have been implemented in full; the commitments, if any, implemented in part; the commitments, if any, initiated; the commitments, if any, to be initiated and implemented by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12124/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 251, 252, 253, 254, 255 and 258 together, all of which relate to An Action Programme for the Millennium, including specific references in the programme.
The current position with relation to the programme in so far as matters relate to my Department is set out in the following table.
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Action Programme Objectives |
Current Position |
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The National Conference Centre (p.13) |
*The EU Commission has indicated its support, in principle for the award of the European Regional Development Fund grant to the Spencer Dock proposal which is currently the subject of a planning application to Dublin Corporation. Meanwhile, Bord Fáilte are finalising the specific terms and conditions which will apply before drawdown an therefore, offer of the grant can take place. |
|
Reassess Bord Fáilte marketing campaign (p14) |
In late 1997 and late 1998 Bord Fáilte was given additional funding of £5m and £6m respectively to enable it to:–*Increase and intensify its level of promotional activity for the forthcoming tourist seasons.*Pay particular attention to secure a better regional distribution of tourism revenue with a special focus on the smaller players in the industry such as bed & breakfasts, farmhouses and guesthouses.*Develop a multi-layerd approach which consists of enhancing existing programmes, introducing new regional initiatives and exploiting opportunities coming on stream.*Integrate promotional activity at a national, regional and local level. |
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Establish a Tourism Development Fund (p14) |
*The Department produced a post-1999 tourism strategy document in March 1998 which has issued to Bord Fáilte and representatives of the tourism industry. This document suggests the establishment of a Tourism Marketing Fund to be jointly financed by the EU, the industry and the State.*Discussions have been taking place since then with the State Agencies and the industry in relation to the future financing of tourism development, including the possible introduction of a modest visitor levy.*The Department has also meanwhile made an initial case for EU funding for tourism under the next round of Structural Funds to the Department of Finance who are preparing the next National Development Plan |
|
Provide additional resources for the OTMI scheme (p14) |
*In addition to extra funding of £5m and £6 m given to Bord Fáilte to enable it to increase and intensify its level of promotional activity for the forthcoming tourist season, OTMI's overall budget – funded mainly by the EU, but also through the Exchequer industry and Northern Ireland sources – has been maintained at approximately £6.9 million in recent years. This budget will be available in 1999 also. The new all island tourism co-operation body under the Good Friday Agreement provides for the proposed body to subsume the activities of OTMI. |
|
Use tax system to encourage tourism investment (p14) |
Finance Act, 1998, provided for:*Continuation of Pilot Tax Relief Scheme for Certain Resort Areas, in modified form. The 1999 Budget extended the deadline from the 30 June 1999 to 31 December 1999 for specified projects.*special capital allowances concession for certain hotels in 7 specified counties;*pilot rural renewal scheme in Upper Shannon region which may benefit, inter alis, certain tourism projects (Primary responsibility Dept of Finance). |
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Upgrade Regional Tourism Organisations (p14) |
Review of Regional tourism Authorities has been initiated under the aegis of Bord Fáilte involving external consultants. Review is expected to be completed later this year. |
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Greater co-operation with NI in promoting all areas of Ireland (p14) |
*Good co-operation between both Departments and both tourism boards exists at present in relation to joint tourism marketing the OTMI, the INTERREG and Peace and Reconciliation Programmes and the IFI.*As part of the agrement reached on 18 December in relation to North/South bodies under the Good Friday Agreement, an all-island tourism co-operation body is to be established. The detailed arrangements relating to the establishment of this body are the subject of ongong negotiation between the relevant parties and progress is dependent on overall developments in the Northern Peace Process. |
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More joint venture sport and recreational facilities (p19) |
*The report of the review of the sports Capital Programme, which is the primary vehicle for the allocation of National Lottery funding for sports and recreational facilities, was presented to the Minister in December 1998. A recommendation of the report on how private sector investment might be attracted towards facility provision is being considered.*The matter is also being addressed by the Stadium Steering Committee. |
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Action Programme Objectives |
Current Position |
|
Invite proposals for a 50m swimming pool (p19) |
*Tender procedure for project initiated last year*Three tender proposals received by deadline of 27 November 1998.*Independent professional evaluation process well advanced but tender procedure effectively stalled pending outcome of a High Court case, set for 12 May, taken by a disqualified tenderer. |
|
Provide community facilitators for disadvantaged areas (p19) |
As part of its sports remit, the Department, in condjunction with the Sports Council has proposals at an advanced stage for the appointment, under the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund, of community facilitators in certain disadvantaged areas on a pilot basis. The Department is also finalising a separate initiative with three of our largest National Governing Bodies of Sport in disadvantaged parts of major urban areas. It is envisaged that the primary role of these facilitators will be to develop strategies on how best to promote participation in recreational sporting activities in disadvantaged areas and to ensure that best possible use is being made of existing facilities. |
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Create new National Sports Council (p19) |
The Bill has passed all stages in the Dail and is currently in the Seanad. |
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Increase State funding for special Olympics in Ireland (p19) |
Special Olympics Ireland received grant aid of £163,095 in 1999 which includes £60,000 towards participation in the 1999 special Olympic Games in North Carolina. Special Olympics Ireland received grant aid of £136,236 in 1998.Government agreement received on providing up to £5m for hosting of 2003 Special Olympics in Ireland. The Taoiseach announced on 31 March that Ireland was successful in its bid to host the 2003 Special Olympics. |