asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement on the projections by Bord Fáilte and Aer Lingus, etc., on the estimated tourist traffic from Britain and North America for the 1970 season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Traffic Estimates.
35.
Bord Fáilte, Aer Lingus and the other State agenies involved in attracting tourists to this country expect that there will be an increase in tourist traffic in 1970 as compared with last year. It is, however, very difficult to make reliable advance forecasts because traffic levels are influenced by so many factors over which we have no control. In reply to a question on 19th March, 1970, about estimated tourist revenue for 1970, I indicated that the latest estimate made by Bord Fáilte was £105 million. This figure stands but will be reviewed as reliable information becomes available. Generally, I am cautiously optimistic that the volume of tourist traffic from both Britain and North America, which has grown significantly in recent years, will show some further growth in 1970 but it must be realised that factors like the current situation in parts of the north are having an adverse effect, which it is very difficult to quantify.
May I inquire if, in view of the reported fall off in bookings prior to last week's events and the concern expressed in many places about this fall off——
Last week's events have nothing to do with it.
I will ask my supplementaries, if I may. In view of further reports of substantial cancellations may I ask the Minister if he will undertake, as an emergency, special subventions on a promotional basis in an endeavour to recover the lost ground?
The Deputy's question barely merits an answer. From the promotional point of view one must gear oneself for the tourist season six months before the season starts. The problems now being encountered relate back to a situation of six or nine months ago over which we had no control.
If the Minister will get in touch with any chain of hotels or with any trade unions in the country involved in that particular industry he will find that they are faced with a different picture. I specifically asked the Minister if, even at this very late stage, he would not consider it necessary to make some special subventions on an emergency basis to Bord Fáilte, Aer Lingus and CIE in an effort to recover the lost ground of the past week and the past months?
I have been in very close touch with the problem. I know there is a problem but I have met representatives of all the interests concerned. Only this morning I was engaged in consultations about this problem. I wish to repudiate the Deputy's suggestion as to the cause of the problem because, as I have said, it relates to a situation that arose in part of our island some six or nine months ago. It does not relate to any other matter.
(Interruptions.)
In view of the serious concern and alarm which has arisen in the tourist industry and in view of the reports that are circulating does the Minister not consider that there is an immediate obligation on him, as the Member of the Government responsible for tourism, to take whatever corrective action is necessary and to initiate a reassurance campaign with regard to this situation?
I am dealing with the problem as I see it. I shall not deal with nonsense.
The Minister is conspicuous by his silence.
(Interruptions.)