asked the Minister for Transport and Power what progress had been made by Bord Fáilte with their farm holiday scheme; and if he can, from experience to date, indicate the future prospects of this particular type of holiday.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Holiday Scheme.
5.
The promotion of farmhouse holidays was introduced by Bord Fáilte in 1964 when 64 farmhouses offering 240 bedrooms were included in the Board's list of supplementary accommodation. The progress of the scheme to date can be judged by the fact that for 1967 there will be 230 premises on the farmhouse list with almost 1,000 bedrooms. Bord Fáilte expect that by 1970, 600 farmhouses will be providing almost 2,500 bedrooms for holidaymakers.
Can the Minister say how early an application must be in to be included in the list for the following year?
I would not have off the cuff the rotation of the inspection work that takes place. I would have to let the Deputy know. The Regional Tourist Board's managers and staff are looking for this accommodation and send lists to Bord Fáilte, and Bord Fáilte send their regular team of inspectors around the country, but the date on which a particular inspector might arrive in a given area I would not know.
Is the Minister aware that an application made early last spring is not included in next year's list, although they had guests all this summer?
Would the Deputy send me particulars?
Would the Minister not think it desirable for Bord Fáilte to introduce a scheme of special grants to farmers who are willing to provide accommodation of this type?
The scheme of accommodation grants has been extended in recent years.
Special grants for farmers.
The recent extension provides for grants for persons who intend to register their premises as guesthouses and have a minimum of five bedrooms.
Would the Minister not think that five bedrooms is too high in the case of ordinary farmers who provide this type of farm accommodation? Would he not think that two bedrooms should qualify?
As the Deputy knows, there would be difficulties in administering a scheme of that kind.