Annex H

COMMITTEE FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
INQUIRY INTO THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

WRITTEN SUBMISSION BY:
NORTHERN IRELAND TOURIST BOARD

22 May 2001

Further to the announcement by the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development on 22^nd March 2001 of its formal inquiry into the Rural Development Programme.

The NITB would like to take the opportunity to provide feedback to the above inquiry .

Yours sincerely

DAVID McAULEY
Acting Chief Executive

Background

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is the agency within the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment with responsibility for the development of tourism in Northern Ireland and for the marketing of the region as a tourist destination. The key objectives of the organisation are to attract the holiday visitor to Northern Ireland, enhance the business of tourism and to communicate openly and effectively with all of our tourism partners. Our stated aim is to ensure that tourism contributes to the creation of a competitive, dynamic economy. Our success will lie in our capacity to grow tourism to Northern Ireland.

Current Situation

During 2000, NITB undertook a comprehensive review of its activities. Core to this review were opportunities to explore the values and attributes of the Northern Ireland holiday experience. This exercise, which we referred to as ‘Building the Proposition’, established the significance of the people, the place and our way of life in providing a genuine and authentic experience for the visitor. Moreover, this work has recognised the complex nature of the cultural and creative experience of Northern Ireland that, together with the experience of the people and the natural environment will guide the future policy and strategy of NITB and our tourism partners in Northern Ireland.

NITB and DARD

NITB has committed itself to work strategically with our partners in government on issues that involve the development of Northern Ireland as a high quality, authentic tourism destination. Over the past year, we have been working closely with DARD, DoE (EHS) and DCAL on the development of a Natural Resource Rural Tourism (NRRT) initiative under the EU PEACE II Programme. Core to this programme was the need to evolve a relationship that would rationalise structures within the new initiative, to avoid duplication of roles and responsibilities and competition with other agencies, and to ensure clarity for our customers.

NITB has been concerned at all stages in our relationship with DARD to ensure that all decisions on funding initiatives and support for the development of tourism is based on sound market intelligence and need within the market place. We have made every effort to secure support for programmes that will be sustainable, both in terms of their economic and social impact and their environmental sustainability. We firmly believe that projects supported under the NRRT initiative will be more effective if based on market need than on ‘perceived’ needs of those living in the rural environment.

We have jointly committed ourselves to developing a high quality rural and natural resource tourism product that will capitalise on our regional strengths to bolster the economy of rural areas and to benefit local communities through the growth in tourism. We will also establish the most effective systems for distributing the resource and for monitoring the effectiveness of the programme. We will shortly be commissioning a baseline study to indicate the supply levels within the programme areas. This will be the basis on which we will measure the effectiveness of the initiative.

The Way Forward

NITB views the NRRT initiative as a model for joined up policy – in this case relating to the development of our natural and rural resources for tourism. We take the view that NITB is best placed to advise other agencies within government of the needs of our consumers and then to match those needs with appropriate, high quality tourism development. We would also assert that any tourism development that takes place in the absence of sound market intelligence and visitor demand is inviting failure. For that reason, we would advocate the delivery of the NRRT programme (and other programmes within the Rural Development Strategy with influence on tourism) via a formal, joint management team from NITB, DARD, DoE (EHS) and DCAL. This group would use as its basis intelligence about the tourism market place that is up to date, usable, relevant and reliable. It is only on this basis that we can anticipate the development of an economically viable and sustainable rural tourism product.

ANNEX I

COMMITTEE FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
INQUIRY INTO THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

WRITTEN SUBMISSION BY:
THE HALF BRED HORSE BREEDERS SOCIETY

23 May 2001

We understand that the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee is in the process of conducting an enquiry into the preparation of the next phase of the Rural Development Programme to be delivered by DARD and the Rural Development Council (RDC) and that DARD and the RDC are anxious to ensure full participation in the new strategy by under-represented groups, particularly the farming community. We also understand that calls are to be made in the near future for applications under the EU Structural Funds Operational Programmes, namely the "Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland" (ie Peace II) and the "Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity".

As many of those involved in the horse industry in Northern Ireland - if not the majority - are from the farming community, the Half Bred Horse Breeders Society would like to take this opportunity to ask for full and proper consideration to be given to the introduction of schemes which will offer opportunities in Northern Ireland for diversification into thoroughbred and sport horse production and will create at least a level playing field with the South.

The progress made to date by those involved in the equine industry in Northern Ireland has been due to their own efforts and determination. Great strides have been made in the thoroughbred sector in particular. The potential revenue from "horse farming" and related activities appears to have been largely ignored here. This is in stark contrast to the Republic and to the various schemes and initiatives introduced over the years there, in response to the contribution which the horse industry can and does make to its revenue.

Moreover, it would seem from the grant of £15 million recently awarded by the European Community Structural Fund to the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ITBA), that funders in the Republic believe the sector merits even further investment. We understand that this much talked about scheme is designed to help "one man breeding operations", with the grants being available to existing breeders and farmers considering diversification. Sadly, Northern members of the ITBA will not be able to avail of this assistance.

According to a recent report in the press, the bloodstock sector (presumably, the thoroughbred sector) "accounts for an estimated £100 million p.a. in exports, and has foreign earnings from the upkeep and servicing of foreign mares of approximately £10million p.a." (The author of the article did not specify if these figures related solely to the Republic or to the island of Ireland.) According to another article in the press "There are 80,000 sporthorses in Ireland with 5,000 foals born each year and export value being £15-20 million. There are 12,000 people employed overall in an industry worth £150m to the Exchequer."

The HBHBS believes the next round of funding offers DARD, the RDC and the various EU funding bodies opportunities to devise schemes which could help our beleaguered farming community diversity into horse breeding and related activities, schemes which could help realise their revenue potential. The HBHBS also believes it is essential that those involved in the industry, from breeder through to producer, rider, promoter, veterinarian, agent, etc are consulted at as early a stage as possible. Early consultation and participation in the decision making process is needed if funds invested in the equine industry are to be used as effectively as possible.

The HBHBS believes it imperative that DARD and the RDC are given the opportunity to take proper stock of the equine industry in Northern Ireland, its potential and the type and level of assistance required to realise that potential. We feel that this should be done through constructive consultation with those involved in the industry. We believe therefore that a forum needs to be set up as a matter of some urgency to which invited delegates can present the view and suggestions of their respective organisations and discuss areas of mutual interest. We would envisage representatives from a variety of sectors including the Sport horse, Thoroughbred and Native breed sectors and their respective administration bodies, including the N Ireland Horse Board, the Northern Regions of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the Irish Draught Society. The purpose would be to discuss untapped opportunities, how these can be developed through well thought out grant aid schemes, including diversification schemes, co-operation between the various sectors in the interest of the common good and correction of existing imbalances between N Ireland and the Republic. If deemed appropriate, this could lead to the establishment of a ‘specialist’ group, comprising elected representatives, to assist DARD and the various EU funding bodies on equine related projects.

Subject to the support of the Committee/DARD for such a forum, the HBHBS would be happy to organise such a meeting. We would like to ask the Committee to meet with us to discuss the matter in detail as soon as possible. We appreciate that the Committee’s time is currently in much demand. However, we believe that it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure that this neglected sector of agriculture is given an opportunity for its voice to be heard before funding schemes are set in stone and that the horse industry be given the opportunity to do this in the interests of setting up schemes designed to be as effective as possible.

We would be grateful if you would please ensure that copies of this letter are circulated to all the members of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development. We have written under separate cover to Ms Angela Kelly of DARD.

As time is of the essence we would be grateful if you could please contact our secretary, Sharon White, as soon as possible regarding an initial meeting. She can be contacted on 028 9044 8814.

DORINDA LADY DUNLEATH

ANNEX J

COMMITTEE FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
INQUIRY INTO THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

COMMITTEE LETTER SEEKING SUBMISSION TO:
NORTHERN IRELAND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION

20 March 2001

You may be aware that the Committee has agreed to undertake an Inquiry into the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s preparation for the next phase of its Rural Development Programme. The Inquiry relates to the recent findings and recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Terms of Reference adopted by the Committee during its meeting on Friday 9 March 2001 are attached.

The Committee agreed that it should place a public notice (in the three main regional newspapers) and issue a press release announcing this Inquiry, but that a number of organisations, including yours, should be approached directly to seek written submissions. The Committee is also seeking submissions from the Rural Development Council, the Rural Community Network and the UFU.

You will see from the Terms of Reference that the Committee is specifically interested in the encouragement of under-represented groups. This stems from the PAC conclusion 4.5:

"We look to both the Department and the Rural Development Council to ensure, as far as possible, that under represented groups such as the farming community, women, young persons and the long-term unemployed fully participate in the programme in future".

DARD’s response was to state its intention to encourage participation of under-represented groups in the 2001-2006 programme and to say that there would be sectoral initiatives allowing support to be given to farm families, women and young persons.

Members will be interested in the views of the Rural Community Network in terms of the inclusion of the unemployed, women and young people. The Committee’s main purpose for consulting with NIAPA is in establishing best practice for the inclusion of farmers and their families and to ensure that this practice is adopted as the new Strategy is implemented.

Your views on the remaining Terms of Reference will, of course, also be welcomed.

I would be grateful if you could arrange to have your submission forwarded to the Committee Clerk by Friday 4 May. A short guide to submitting written evidence is attached for your information. It is possible that NIAPA will be called to give evidence on 11 May, but a formal invitation would be issued separately.

Yours sincerely,

IAN R K PAISLEY
Chairman

APPENDIX 4

LIST OF UNPUBLISHED MEMORANDA

THE FOLLOWING EXTRACTS WERE RECEIVED AS PART OF MEMORANDA WHICH ARE PUBLISHED AS ANNEXES TO THE REPORT. THE COMMITTEE AGREED THAT THEY NEED NOT BE PUBLISHED IN THE REPORT.

THE EXTRACTS HAVE BEEN LODGED IN THE ASSEMBLY’S LIBRARY

Rural Development Council for Northern Ireland (RDC)

Rural Development Council for Northern Ireland – 3 May 2001 Annex B1

1. RDC’s Draft Strategy and Executive Summary for 2001-2006

2. RDC’s TSN Action Plan

3. RDC’s draft Equality Scheme

4. RDC’s organisational chart

5. RDC members, their nominating authority and areas of expertise

6. RDC’s Progress Review

Response to questions from RDC – 26 June 2001 Annex B3

1. RDC publication on Community Based Actions

2. RDC/RCN Position Paper - The Need For A Rural Intermediary Funding Body – March 2000

Written update from RDC – 30 January 2002 Annex B5

1. RDC Grant Application Pack

2. Newsletter publication by NICVA – December 2001/January 2002

3. RDC Screening of Policies Exercise

4. Launch and Promotion of RDC Funding Programmes – Summary of the communications activity undertaken

5. Minister’s letter of approval for RDC Strategy 2001-2006 and Operational Plan 2001-2002

6. List of RDC’s Peace II Programme applicants (by District Councils) – 1 February 2002

7. List of RDC’s Local Regeneration Programme applicants by (District Councils) – 1 February 2002

8. Building Sustainable Prosperity and Peace Programmes Operational Manuals

Rural Community Network (RCN)

Response to questions from Rural Community Network – 2 July 2001 ANNEX C3

1. "Telling It Like It Is" – Stories from the Active Participation Grants

2. Low Infrastructure Programme 1998-2001 Report – Book One – Policy

3. Low Infrastructure Programme 1998-2001 Report – Book Two – Practice

4. "Village Halls Advisory Service – RCN draft outline of what this service provides