asked the Minister for Transport and Power (a) the reasons for his recent trip to the USA; (b) the matters discussed and with whom; and (c) the likely prospects for Irish tourist traffic from North America in 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial Visit to USA.
12.
Mr. O'Donnell
I accepted an invitation from the Irish Travel Agents Association Inc. of the United States to be guest of honour at their annual dinner in New York and one from Aerlínte to perform the official opening of the New York link to Astral, the company's computerised reservation system.
I met the chief executives of American tourist agencies and travel interests, the editors of influential American journals and magazines and members of Irish associations in New York as well as the local representatives of the Irish agencies concerned and discussed with them the progress to date and future prospects for tourism from the US.
The general view in North America for tourist travel to Ireland in 1971 is optimistic. The special additional promotional campaign, which is now in full swing, seems to be achieving its objective and I am very satisfied with the efforts of Bord Fáilte, Aerlínte, CIE and SFADCO to attract more traffic. I am confident that the final outcome for 1971 will show a reasonable increase on this year's figures.
Mr. O'Donnell
Getting away from the rather exuberant and optimistic atmosphere the Minister has tried to create could we get down to facts? Can the Minister say whether or not, in his opinion, the anticipated 3 to 4 per cent increase in traffic from North America in 1971 which has been forecast by Bord Fáilte, will be realised?
Oh, yes, of course. At least.
Mr. O'Donnell
No problem?
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 13.
A Cheann Comhairle——
Deputy L'Estrange.
Would the Minister not agree that his trip to New York was merely a publicity stunt to help the Minister's pal, Joe Malone, to get the job of director general?
The Deputy should not make these allegations. This is most disorderly. This has nothing to do with the question. Deputy L'Estrange cannot make his own rules. He is breaking the rules of the House in these allegations. I have called Question No. 13.
The Minister for Transport and Power informed us in the past that there would be advertisements for this position and we are entitled to know——
Deputy L'Estrange should behave himself.
This House is entitled to know will this position be advertised or is it going to Mr. Lenihan's pal, Joe Malone.
That is a separate question.
It is not a separate question and that is the reason he was there, despite the fact that many of the Minister's Government do not want to give——
The Deputy is being grossly disorderly. The Deputy is completely out of order.
Are you further aware——
Deputies
Chair, Chair.
——that Joe Malone was out of order?
If the Deputy does not resume his seat I will ask him to leave the House. This is most disorderly.
He sent a wire to Gay Byrne which was completely out of order and was read out on the "Late, Late Show".
The Deputy is attacking people outside this House who cannot defend themselves. Will the Deputy please resume his seat?
This was a publicity stunt both by the Minister and by Joe Malone who is trying to get this position.
May I ask the Minister if he has read this week's Connaught Sentinel which states that 50 hotels will be coming under the auctioneer's hammer. Does that look good for tourism in this country?
A Deputy
Who is the auctioneer?
Is the Minister aware of the feelings of these hoteliers when they realise that he has built a £22,000 dream house at Castleknock and that they have to close down? I asked the Minister for his reaction to this.
The Minister did a very good job for Ireland when he went on a visit to America.