Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:39 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the position regarding the proposed national conference centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8036/02]
Written Answers. - National Conference Centre.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid): As I have explained previously, in response to similar questions about conference facilities, Bord Fáilte commissioned new research last year on the international conference market and the optimum positioning of Ireland within that market.
The consultants' report, entitled, Maximising Ireland's Potential in the International Conference Market, has since been referred to other relevant Departments for their considered opinions before reaching any conclusions in the context of future policy on the development of international conference business into Ireland. It is understood that the outcome of their deliberations will be made known to my Department shortly.
The report was specifically commissioned to facilitate consideration of the broad issue of optimising Ireland's share of the international conference market, of which physical conference infrastructure is but one component.
Question No. 40 answered orally.