asked the Minister for Transport and Power the action that has been or will be taken to boost the tourist trade in the present season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Trade.
24.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that following the encouraging results from most markets in 1973 they expect that a reasonably quick recovery is achievable for Irish tourism. Intensive marketing and promotional activities are under way to ensure that the growth achieved last year will be maintained. Bord Fáilte estimate that tourist revenue in the current year will reach £130 million approximately compared with £107 million approximately last year. To assist the promotional drive for 1974, a special additional allocation of £700,000 was made available to the board.
Is the Minister aware of an article in The Irish Post with comments attributed to him saying that the Irish ethnic tourist trade was not interested in standards?
That is a separate question.
Will arrangements for tourism this year include any special allocation of petrol?
That is a separate question.
I have indicated that tourists will get the same allocation as those living here, if petrol rationing is introduced. Hopefully it does not appear as if petrol will be rationed. Therefore the tourists will be able to get petrol at the same rate and in the same manner as residents.
Will the Minister agree that during the peak tourist season the demand for petrol will be double the demand for the rest of the year. Will there be any provision for extra supplies?
I must explain this again——
We have gone off the subject matter of this question. The Deputy has raised a specific question on petrol. Question No. 25.
I am still on the subject of tourism.
The quota for petrol is based on last year's usage. If there was an increase in last year's usage during the tourist period, that will be reflected in this year's quotas to garages.
Many service stations will say that they——
The Deputy is still discussing petrol.
—— have been drawing——
The Deputy is making a statement. Question No. 25.
Obviously the Deputy has not seen the orders I made last week.
There were so many of them.
The Deputy was complaining that I did nothing for months but now he is saying I do too much. There is no satisfying him.