Vol. 232 No. 6
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the likely implications for the tourist industry and for the Shannon Free Airport Development Company of the US Government's restrictions on foreign spending; whether Bord Fáilte and the Shannon Free Airport Development Company have yet formulated any plans to counteract the harmful effects of this development; and, if so, if he will give details.
12.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement on the possible effects of the recent levy on foreign travel imposed in the United States; and if he will comment on the action to be taken by the appropriate State agencies in this country to minimise the effect on tourist interests here.
13.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any plans are under consideration in his Department to counter the US restrictions on tourist travel by US citizens; and whether the tourist trade in this country will be adversely affected by the US decision.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 11, 12 and 13 together.
Recommendations for legislation imposing taxation and other restrictions on foreign spending by US citizens have been submitted to the Ways and Means Committee of the US House of Representatives. The Government have made representations to the United States Government expressing deep concern about the possible effects of such restrictive actions on our tourist industry. A precise appraisal of the effects on the tourist industry in this country or on the business of the Shannon Free Airport Development Company would be premature until final decisions are taken by the United States. Bord Fáilte and the Shannon Free Airport Development Company are studying developments closely and exploring the possibility of measures to minimise the impact on this country of restrictions of the kind proposed.
