asked the Minister for Transport and Power what are the likely prospects for the tourist industry for the remainder of this season; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
13.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of reports that hotels and guest houses have an unusually large number of cancellations of booking from foreign tourists this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
15.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is aware that for various reasons there are indications that a serious fall off in tourist traffic is a distinct possibility; and if he will detail what steps are being taken to counteract such a situation.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 14 and 15 together.
In the course of my reply to a number of questions about tourist bookings and prospects on 19th May last, I gave information on the interim results of a survey made by Bord Fáilte. This was carried out in co-operation with the regional tourism organisations. Airlines, surface transport operators, a big number of hoteliers and car hire operators were consulted in connection with it.
The final results are now to hand and indicate that there has not, in fact, been any significant volume of cancellations by tourists. Earlier in the year, however, there were cancellations of block bookings by overseas agents and carriers who had made reservations in anticipation of clients materialising in due course. The cancellations came when it became clear that the growth in traffic would not be as high as had been expected.
The board's survey showed that at the beginning of the year bookings with airlines and carriers were somewhat slow but there has been a definite improvement over the past few weeks. Airline and car ferry traffic from Britain is expected to be the same as last year. Traffic from Northern Ireland is likely to be down on last year and to alleviate this trend Bord Fáilte has increased its promotional activity in that area. I understand that continental business is increasing with indications that traffic from France and Germany should be better than last year while North American traffic should be at least as good as last year. All in all, the information which has emerged from the Bord Fáilte survey suggests that 1970 should be a reasonably good year for tourism.
If I can take the Minister's reply to mean that the indications are that the tourist season will be as good this year as last year, up to what date are his latest figures?
At this stage, I shall not make any prognostications in the middle of the tourist season. It is a position that is amenable to changing developments and attitudes. The evidence before Bord Fáilte at the moment is that 1970 should be a reasonably good year.
There was a radio report this morning about a drop——
That radio report was erroneous. Subsequently a denial was made by Bord Fáilte.
Did the Minister ring up Radio Telefís Éireann?
The Minister is the only person who says the report was erroneous.
Bord Fáilte have already said that it is.
Would the Minister publish or otherwise make available this Bord Fáilte report to Members of this House?
What one?
The report on the tourist season which he has just quoted from.
I shall not make any comment in the middle of the season until the full facts are known.
The Minister has been reading from a report of Bord Fáilte on the present position.
The booking are down considerably.
Could the Minister let us have the full report and not merely extracts, selectively?
The Minister must answer the question.
Deputy FitzGerald in incomprehensible.
Was the Minister in consultation with RTE this morning, following which a denial was made? Has his Department any information to suggest that recent budgetary changes have had anything to do with the increased costs in the tourist industry, allied to the hobbies of various Fianna Fáil Ministers? What about the current policy on prices? What about the consultation with RTE? Did the Minister ring them up today?
That series of questions does not merit a reply.
In view of the fact that there has been much misinformed comment in newspapers and other places, and in the light of the investigations carried out by Bord Fáilte, should the Minister not have taken steps long ago to clarify the whole picture and to clear the air regarding all the confusion about the tourist industry? It is the responsibility of the Minister to clear the air.
The middle of the season is not the time to do it. We can have a full discussion: I propose to have it with Bord Fáilte and all the tourist people concerned at the end of the season.
When the election is over.
As Deputy O'Donnell rightly said, misinformed comment at this stage is causing harm.
The Government crisis caused the harm and the Minister knows it. You are sitting on the fence now. You do not know which way to hop.
With a view to ensuring that there is no misinformed comment, will the Minister publish the report? If not, why is he unwilling to do so?
In the interests of the tourist industry and of accuracy, I shall publish a report when I am satisfied the full position has been clarified and that no harm will be done to this valuable industry. I shall do so after having had consultation with all the tourist interests involved.
From the investigations conducted by Bord Fáilte, can the Minister indicate why the tourist bookings have already dropped? No bluff. Answer the question.
Deputy Cosgrave or any Deputy will not deny me my right of reply.
Answer the question. Stop stuttering and bluffing.
Stop the interruptions.
It is time the bluff was stopped. The bluff does not impress us. The bluff will not fill the hotels.
Deputy Cosgrave is not impressing anybody.
Next question.
May I reply, please, to Deputy Cosgrave?
I have called the next question.
I should like to reply to Deputy Cosgrave. In the first place, there is no evidence yet to suggest there is any diminution in the tourist traffic business.
That is not true.
The Minister said there was in Northern Ireland.
In total business, there is no evidence yet of any diminution in tourist business. I shall come to this House at the appropriate time— when the issue is clarified. Unlike that of his spokesman on tourism in this House — Deputy T. O'Donnell — the attitude of Deputy Cosgrave is highly irresponsible.