asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, under Section 14 (b) of the Tourist Traffic Act, 1939, the Irish Tourist Board may acquire, build or operate hotels; and, if so, if he will state whether, in the exercise of this power, prior consultation would be held with his Department; and, if so, if in all such cases, consideration will be given to the detrimental effect on the vested interests of registered hotels in a particular area caused by the building of such premises operated under direct control of the board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Tourist Board and Hotels.
The provisions of Section 14 (b) of the Tourist Traffic Act, 1939, referred to by the Deputy, empower the Irish Tourist Board to build, establish, equip or operate hotels, guesthouses, holiday hostels, holiday homes, youth hostels and holiday camps or to assist financially (including by way of loan) or otherwise in the building, establishing, equipping or operating thereof. The procedure under the Act requires that any proposals for building, establishing, equipping or operating hotels must be submitted to me by the Irish Tourist Board for my recommendation before money can be provided by the Minister for Finance. Before making a recommendation to the Minister for Finance I would give due consideration to possible effects on existing registered hotels.