Vol. 547 No. 1
46 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has received a copy of the survey of tourists undertaken by MRBI for Bord Fáilte which found dissatisfaction in a number of areas regarding standards and value for money; the steps being taken to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2527/02]
The report referred to by the Deputy is entitled Bord Fáilte Rural Tourism Research and was presented by MRBI in June 2001. It was commissioned by Bord Fáilte on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Davern, who has responsibility for rural development. Earlier, rural tourism and agri-tourism programmes saw significant public and private investment in rural tourism facilities and the Minister of State, Deputy Davern, considered it appropriate to look at consumer awareness and behaviour in relation to rural tourism holidays in northern Europe and to establish how Ireland is positioned in this regard.
This was conceptual research and I understand a large percentage of those interviewed had not necessarily visited Ireland but were known to be interested in taking a rural holiday here at some time in the future. Therefore, the report essentially highlights expectations of a rural holiday in Ireland and, naturally, these include good accommodation standards and value for money.
The findings of the research validated the objectives of national tourism policy and, more specifically, informed the draft guidelines for the rural tourism/agri-tourism programme to be implemented by the LEADER programme. Under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, some 30 million has been provided for rural/agri-tourism and this funding will be administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development under the LEADER programme for the development of sustainable rural/agri-tourism projects. Accordingly, any further questions about the rural/agri-tourism programme can be addressed to my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Deputy Walsh.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 45.
