HL Deb 13 November 2003 vol 654 cc207-8WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 16 October (WA 128), what practical steps have been taken or are planned to support Ulster Scots cultural tourism in County Antrim by:

  1. (a) the Northern Ireland Tourist Board;
  2. (b) Tourism Ireland; and
  3. (c) The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure; and whether they are satisfied with progress in this area since 1998. [HL4975]

Baroness Amos

A range of programmes and initiatives by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), Tourism Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) have the potential to impact upon cultural tourism in Northern Ireland including Ulster Scots tourism.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB)

The NITB, in conjunction with the Departments of Agriculture and Environment, has developed the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative (NRRTi). Approximately £3 million of NRRTi funding is targeted at selected rural areas in much of County Antrim, most notably the Causeway coast and Antrim Glens areas. NRRTi programmes which benefit cultural tourism in the Antrim area are cultural environmental improvement projects an events action programme and a programme aimed at increasing opportunities to enjoy the area.

Tourism Ireland (TIL)

Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland as a whole as a premier tourism destination in overseas markets. It does not have a remit to support activities in specific counties/council areas. However, a number of its programmes and promotional activities have the potential to impact positively on the development of Ulster Scots tourism throughout Northern Ireland.

Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL)

DCAL supports the Ulster-Scots Agency, which has strategic responsibility for the development of Ulster Scots heritage in Northern Ireland. DCAL is also responsible for the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) which holds information and educational resources on the history and heritage of Northern Ireland, most of which are available to those researching their family history. DCAL also sponsors the International Face to Face group, which draws its membership from all government agencies and non-departmental public bodies who have an international remit. This group is currently identifying a number of strategic opportunities to present and promote the rich cultural and artistic life of Northern Ireland in our key international markets. DCAL has secured an annual budget of £250,000 to progress this work and it will provide an opportunity to showcase excellence, reflecting the diverse cultural transitions of Northern Ireland.