asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will indicate the increase or decrease in revenue resulting from the recently ended CIE rail travel incentive scheme; and if he will state the cost of this promotion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Travel Incentive Scheme.
9.
Promotions such as the recently completed rail sale are matters of day-to-day administration which fall entirely within the responsibility of CIE. The board has informed me that the rail sale resulted in a significant increase—approximately 70 per cent—in the number of passengers carried and in a small improvement in the net revenue position. It is not the board's practice to make public the detailed financial results in respect of specific operations or promotions of this nature.
Would it not be advisable to let the people who pay for this know what it costs, what results are flowing from it and whether it would be worthwhile continuing it? Would the Minister not spell it out instead of giving it in this vague way?
I told the House that from the information we have to hand there has been an increase of 70 per cent in scales. It is a more difficult task to quantify that in terms of revenue.
Did he say 17 per cent?
No, 70 per cent.
During which period?
Over the corresponding period last year.
Would the Minister not consider continuing it?
It has been a success and it will be continued.
Is it being continued at the present time?
If the board see that it is appropriate to embark on this type of flexible passenger rate approach they will do so.
In the light of the Minister's statement, in the light of the fact that there has been a 70 per cent increase in sales, would he not think it advisable to continue the scheme?
The Deputy should not let the situation run away with him. There has been a 70 per cent increase in passenger sales.
Would the Minister not qualify that by saying what is the increase in revenue?
We are satisfied there has been a small net increase in revenue. When that has been quantified, commercial considerations will be applied as to how this type of cut-sales campaign can be developed in future months and years.
Would the fact that there has been an increase not justify us in continuing with the incentive scheme?
The Deputy must realise we are very happy with the success of the scheme and we will continue with it, applying commercial considerations that will ensure an increase in revenue.
The Minister has said there has been an increase in revenue.
The Deputy knows nothing about it.