Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the guidelines for the introduction of the mid Shannon tourism infrastructure investment scheme have been forwarded for approval by the European Commission; and if the certification board has been established. [32502/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The legislation governing the Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment scheme provides for the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, in consultation with the Minister for Finance, to issue guidelines for the scheme. The development of these guidelines has been the subject of ongoing consultations between the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and my Department. The guidelines are now at an advanced stage and will be completed very shortly. When the guidelines are finalised the scheme will be notified to the European Commission for approval. The establishment of the Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board, which will approve applications and certify projects under the Scheme, is a matter for the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. It is understood that the Board will be established in advance of the commencement of the Scheme.