asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will indicate the likely volume of coach tour traffic from North America to Ireland in 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Traffic from North America.
13.
Mr. O'Donnell
It is too early yet to make a firm estimate of the volume of coach tour traffic from North America in 1971 but I am informed by Bord Fáilte and CIE that, on the basis of available information, the prospects for coach tour traffic from North America to Ireland in 1971 are good.
Mr. O'Donnell
I would like to ask the Minister if he could indicate whether or not the coach tour bookings obtained by Shannon Travel prior to the liquidation of Hibernian Transport have now been secured by other operators? Could the Minister indicate the progress being made by the new CIE subsidiary in North America?
Both CIE and SFADCO have taken up the business which was being secured by Shannon Travel. I am satisfied that the business that would have been booked has been enhanced by the activities of both CIE and SFADCO.
Mr. O'Donnell
One can assume that no traffic has been lost?
No, it has not.
14.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is satisfied with the progress of the Bord Fáilte marketing campaign in North America at present; and whether the present allocation of marketing funds in North America is adequate.
The allocation of the grant-in-aid funds for administration, operational and general expenses of Bord Fáilte is a matter for the board.
As the Deputy will see from the board's published accounts their marketing expenditure in North America has increased from £226,230 in 1966-67 to £620,249 in 1969-70. The board plan to spend £750,000 under this head in the current year.
Mr. O'Donnell
I realise I am not strictly relevant in speaking on this point in relation to the Bord Fáilte marketing fund. Would the Minister tell us when, in fact, he proposes to bring in a supplementary estimate?
I will be moving a motion in conjunction with my Departmental Estimate before 31st March. That will clear the air with regard to this point.
Mr. O'Donnell
Can we take it that past commitments entered into by Bord Fáilte will be funded?
Yes.