asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the fact that normal postal services from Britain have been resumed, he is now in a position to give a firm estimate of 1971 tourist traffic from that country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Traffic.
8.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that since the resumption of normal postal services in Britain at the beginning of this month inquiries to the board have been running at about the same rate as for the corresponding period of last year. It is still too early to make a firm estimate of tourist traffic from Britain in 1971.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is the Minister aware, despite his reply, that the situation on the British market is now very serious and has been the subject of public comment by the chairman of the National Tourism Council and by a director of Bord Fáilte in the past 24 hours? Would the Minister not agree that the time has arrived for some type of crash programme to be implemented in Britain? Could I ask the Minister if he is now prepared to give Bord Fáilte the £14,000 which they have been seeking for the past three weeks in order to launch an intensive publicity campaign in Britain? Secondly, would he ask Bord Fáilte to organise an on-the-spot massive follow-up to the advertising by the regional tourism organisations, the State companies and private interests? In other words, are Bord Fáilte going to get the £14,000 or——
We cannot discuss all the details on this question.
The Minister for Transport and Power has already informed the House of the arrangements made by Bord Fáilte to promote tourism during the coming season and I have nothing further to add to the matter.
Mr. O'Donnell
The Minister for Transport and Power has not given any information. The fact is that Bord Fáilte are looking for £14,000——
The Deputy is making a statement.
Mr. O'Donnell
——to launch a special publicity campaign in Britain and they have been waiting for weeks for an answer and they have not got it. Surely the Government can provide £14,000.