asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the cost of An Tóstal in 1953 and in 1954.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - An Tóstal Expenditure.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will issue directions to have prepared a thorough estimate of the total cost of An Tóstal for each of the years 1953 and 1954, such estimate to include all moneys expended by (a) each Government Department; (b) each of the various tourist boards; (c) each State-sponsored corporation; and (d) each local public authority; and also if he will furnish an estimate of the expenditure undertaken by private firms and persons in regard thereto.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions No. 8 and No. 9 together. Information concerning the total amount of expenditure by all parties concerned in connection with An Tóstal for 1953/54 is not available and could not be procured without undertaking inquires of an unduly extensive character. The following particulars may, however, be sufficient for the Deputies' purpose:—
Expenditure by An Bord Fáilte in connection with An Tóstal, 1953, amounted to £30,000; final figures for 1954 are not yet available but it is understood that the expenditure will be of the order of £55,000. Expenditure by Fógra Fáilte in 1953 and 1954 amounted to £47,000 and £24,000 respectively.
Expenditure by the Office of Public Works in connection with An Tóstal, 1953, amounted to £2,650; final figures are not yet available in respect of 1954.
Arising out of the Minister's reply to Questions Nos. 9 and 6, does the Minister not consider that it would be helpful if the House could have a more detailed picture of the expenditure undertaken out of funds provided by this House—expenditure undertaken by different State boards and by the Tóstal? Would the Minister not consider it well to make these figures available in a readily comprehensible form so that the country might know exactly the amount of money spent on these matters?
Further arising out of the Minister's reply, can the Minister say whether the estimated expenditure of nearly £200,000 in the years 1953 and 1954 has resulted in a profit to the country, or a loss, as a result of the activities in connection with An Tóstal?
That seems to be a separate question.
In my reply to Question No. 7, I indicated that within the past two months An Bord Fáilte have been consulting local Tóstal councils and other interested bodies in regard to the date to be chosen for An Tóstal in 1955 and the Tóstals for subsequent years. I am considering that recommendation, together with the general question surrounding An Tóstal and all the subsidiary questions which arise out of it. In that connection, it may be possible later to compile more elaborate information. I should like an opportunity to consider this whole question first and, as I have said, I hope to be in a position to make my views known at an early date.