asked the Minister for Transport and Power (a) the number of hotels controlled by Ostlanna Iompair Éireann, the total number of bedrooms which the company has at its disposal, and their location and (b) the number of hotels controlled by Ryans Tourist Holdings and the total number of bedrooms which the company has at its disposal and their location.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotel Chain Accommodation.
11.
Ostlanna Iompair Éireann Teoranta control seven Grade A (Star) hotels with a total of 671 bedrooms and one Grade A (standard) Motor Inn with 100 bedrooms. The hotels are situated at Parknasilla, Kenmare, Killarney, Galway, Mulrany, Sligo and Bundoran; the Motor Inn is situated at Killarney. The company have announced their intention to construct further medium-priced motor inns at Dún Laoghaire, Rosslare and Galway.
Ryans Tourist Holdings Ltd. control three Grade A (standard) hotels at Killarney, Limerick and Rosses Point, with a total of 468 bedrooms. They announced some time ago their intention to provide 800 bedrooms in all and their final plans in this respect are now likely to be influenced by the needs of Aerlínte Teoranta.
Having regard to what the Parliamentary Secretary has said, surely there is a clear indication here given that the Minister for Transport and Power was in the best position to make arrangements with Ostlanna Iompair Éireann Teoranta to get this arrangement with Aer Lingus rather than Ryans. It would be a better proposition obviously. Is there any reason why it was not done?
Is it not a fact that the Ryan Company have now approached two travel agents to increase their prices up to Ryans?
That seems to be a separate question.
It is very relevant.
Could I have a reply to my question because I think that we should know why this preferential treatment was extended to Ryans?
Ryan was a Taca man.
The position is as explained by the Minister last week that the object was to get hotels at a standard reasonable price whereas Ostlanna Iompair Éireann Teoranta control hotels in the higher range.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell me how many hotels Ryans had a year and a half ago and when did they get this advance information to get into the business?
They had no hotels and they still do not know how to run the business.
Due to the progress that has been made we have had a great number of new hotels planned and started in the last 18 months, certainly not all being Ryan's. It is an indication of a tremendous progress being made in the country.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that OIE have a deficit of over £2 million a year which the taxpayers have to meet and, if some plums are to be given, why not give them to OIE instead of a well-known member of Taca?
Is the Deputy suggesting that OIE should close down their hotels?
Certainly not, but if they are losing £2 million a year surely the Government should try to help them?
My question is not in relation to the general expansion but in relation to this matter. Could the Parliamentary Secretary say clearly why arrangements were not made with OIE to enter into an agreement with Aer Lingus rather than Ryans, having regard to the potential of OIE as described in the reply to the question?
The Minister answered that particular query last week and this supplementary question has nothing to do with the question.
(Interruptions.)
12.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power why Ostlanna Iompair Éireann are not providing medium priced accommodation within their hotel chain.
In addition to its existing chain of top-grade hotels OIE operates a medium priced motor inn at Killarney and has announced plans to construct similar motor inns at Galway, Rosslare and Dún Laoghaire.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate whether it is the intention of OIE to provide more medium-sized accommodation or why they have not been doing so, and if there is any reason? Is it because of favouritism being displayed towards Ryan's Holdings?
No. My reply conveys that OIE are providing this service.
(Interruptions.)