asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is intended to hold An Tóstal next year, and, if so, if he will ensure that it will be organised on a basis more likely to attract tourists to this country than heretofore, and on more suitable dates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - An Tóstal.
As already announced by Bord Fáilte Éireann, An Tóstal, 1956, will be held from the 6th to the 21st May. These dates were fixed by the board following consultation with the various interested bodies throughout the country, the majority of whom favoured this period.
The organisation of An Tóstal is the responsibility of the board which must rely to a large extent on the co-operation of promoting bodies in the cultural, sporting and other spheres. I have no reason to think that, under the board's guidance, next year's festival will not be organised in the manner best calculated to attract tourists to this country.