asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the statement made by Colonel T.J. Pozzy, E.C.A. travel chief, at a Press Conference held in Dublin on June 8th regarding the conditions at Cobh for tourists landing there when he stated that he had many reports from Americans who were very dissatisfied with conditions at Cobh and added that these Americans come away with very poor impressions of Ireland because of their treatment on first arrival, the Minister will reconsider his decision of a few months ago and take steps to have proper facilities for tourists provided at Cobh and make it a national port as it is of great importance to the nation for dollar earnings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cobh Harbour.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will now arrange to have the amenities of the landing stage and custom station at Cobh improved; and if he will immediately expedite the carrying out of any improvements he considers necessary.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together. I am aware that there have been complaints that facilities at Cobh for handling American tourists are unsatisfactory and although I am still of opinion that the provision of any better facilities considered necessary is primarily a matter for local interests, I have arranged to have the position there specially examined.