asked the Minister for Transport and Power the prospects for the tourist industry in Ireland during the remainder of 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
28.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that it is too early to be definite about tourist prospects in 1975. The board's target of a 4.2 per cent increase in tourist numbers over 1974 remains unchanged.
Can the Minister say what steps the Government have taken to encourage Irish people to spend their holidays in Ireland this year?
That does not seem directly to arise in relation to this question.
Of course it does.
Can the Minister say what steps are being taken by the Government this year in relation to tourism generally?
The Government are in continuing and very close contact with Bord Fáilte regarding the development of the tourist industry and are giving every backing to Bord Fáilte's efforts to develop new and hopeful lines of tourism under the changing conditions in which certain areas of tourism have shown a decline while other areas are showing more promise. The primary evaluation of what efforts can be made usefully in this area are a matter for Bord Fáilte.
Would the Minister not agree that one constructive way of helping the tourist industry at present would be for the Government to reconsider their decision with regard to the subsidisation of petrol to tourists?
That is a separate matter.
The Minister has referred to promises of tourism from new areas but can he say whether the promotion of tourism from Australia, New Zealand and Japan has been very effective? These are new areas which Bord Fáilte have embarked on in their efforts.
That is a rather specific question.
Promise has been shown in relation to those new areas but it would be too early yet to make any new statement in this regard.
Would the Minister convey to the Minister for Transport and Power the suggestion that, if the grants that have been put in abeyance during the past couple of years should be restored, they could be used to make available facilities which would attract tourists to this country?
I will ensure that the Deputy's remarks are conveyed to my colleague, the Minister for Transport and Power.
Would the Minister not agree that the funds which are being spent on the promotion of tourism from Australia, New Zealand and Japan could be used more effectively in western Europe which is so much nearer home?
The Deputy is raising a specific matter which would more appropriately be the subject of a separate question. Question No. 29.
I am satisfied that Bord Fáilte, guided by the best advice they have, will deploy their funds where, in their opinion, the money can be applied most effectively.
Would the Minister——
I have called Question No. 29. The Chair has allowed a lot of latitude on this question.
Surely it would be only common sense to encourage tourists from western Europe to come here?
The Deputy must allow Question Time to continue. Question No. 29.