asked the Minister for Transport and Power the effect, if any, the fall in the value of the US dollar will have on the tourist trade with that country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Tourist Industry.
67.
I have been informed by Bord Fáilte that the implications for the Irish tourist industry of the fall in the value of the US dollar will depend on the reactions of the potential American visitors to Europe. The recent fall is in relation to certain European currencies and it will make holidays in those countries more expensive for North Americans. This may lead to a change in destination by American visitors to countries where the relative values of the local currencies and the dollar have remained virtually unchanged. Such changes in destination could have a beneficial effect on the Irish tourist industry.
68.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will introduce legislation to authorise Bord Failte to control, license and grade the temporary letting of holiday accommodation such as seaside bungalows or chalets; and if he will authorise control on the weekly or monthly rentals for the occupation of such accommodation.
While the Tourist Traffic Acts do not provide for the registration with Bord Fáilte of individual seaside bungalows or chalets, I am informed by the board that the regional tourism organisations, in collaboration with the boards, publish lists of unregistered accommodation annually. All premises included in the lists are inspected to see that a satisfactory standard of accommodation is provided. These lists are available in the tourist information offices.
The regional tourism organisation investigates complaints such as overcharging—and if the complaints are found to be justified seek redress for the dissatisfied holidaymakers. In the last resort, offending premises are deleted from the published lists.
Is the Minister aware that in some cases there is gross overcharging for very inferior accommodation in chalets and bungalows and that this is reacting very unfavourably on our tourist industry?
If there is overcharging for registered accommodation the person who has been over-charged should make a complaint to the local tourist organisation and they will investigate it for him.
69.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is in a position to give figures in respect of the inflow of tourists to Ireland in each of the months May and June, 1973; and, if so, how these compare with last year.
Bord Fáilte estimate that visitors to Ireland in May and June, 1973, totalled 88,600 and 115,800 respectively, an increase over 1972 of more than 7 per cent for each of these months. Figures for visitors from Northern Ireland are compiled on an annual basis and are, therefore, not included.
70.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the current projections for the tourist industry for the remainder of 1973.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that results to date in 1973 and estimates for the remainder of the year suggest an increase of over 11 per cent in the total number of tourists to Ireland compared with 1972. The board expect an increase in tourism revenue of around 19 per cent in 1973.