asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that moneys voted for the development of tourism by Killarney Urban District Council were not devoted to that purpose; if he will state: (a) the years in which such moneys were withheld; (b) the amount withheld, in each year; (c) the purposes to which the moneys so withheld were devoted; and (d) the date on which he became aware of the withholding of such moneys; whether the withholding of moneys from the purposes for which they were voted is, in any way, irregular; and if he will state what action he took or intends to take to ensure that the tourist business will not suffer because of this irregularity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Moneys for Tourist Development.
Killarney Urban District Council have for a number of years struck a rate of 2½d. in the £ for the purposes of tourist development. The yield of that rate is approximately £107 annually. In each of the financial years 1933-34 to 1945-46, inclusive, the Urban District Council paid the sum of £75 to the Irish Tourist Association. In the year 1946-47, the sum paid was £100. In the current year I understand that the full amount raised, namely, £107, will be paid to the Irish Tourist Association.
It will be seen that for some years the council raised more by the rate than was paid to the association. This appeared to have been done in the expectation that they would be allowed to spend the difference directly themselves either in increasing the attractions of Killarney or paying the expenses of a tourist canvasser. Their proposals, however, were not sanctioned and consequently the unexpended balances each year were lodged to the credit of the council's funds. This practice, I understand, has been brought to an end and in future all moneys raised for tourist purposes will be paid to the association.