Northern Ireland: Loyal Order Parades

HL Deb 22 June 2004 vol 662 c115WA

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether Tourism Ireland or the Northern Ireland Tourist Board have helped to promote Loyal Order parades in Northern Ireland during the past five years; and, if so, in what way. [HL3129]

Baroness Amos

During the past five years the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has featured the Loyal Order parades on its product database, ensuring that they are available through its consumer website and through tourist information centres. These have also generally featured in its annual events listing brochure throughout this period although in 2004 only the Maiden City Festival (Apprentice Boys of Derry Parade) was featured. NITB has met with the Orange Order to discuss future promotion of the 12 July parades. NITB contributed £20,000 in 2001–02 and £25,000 in 2002–03 towards the Maiden City Festival.

Tourism Ireland has not promoted Loyal Order parades in Northern Ireland.