asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of his address to the Irish Restaurant Owners' Association on 28th June, 1973, to the effect that the ideal method of controlling restaurant standards would be a registration system by Bord Fáilte, he will state the progress that has been made towards the implementation of such a system.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restaurant Standards.
45.
I said in the speech referred to by the Deputy that a registration and grading system for restaurants would require considerable resources in terms of funds and manpower. Bord Fáilte have told me that they gave careful consideration to the matter but concluded that the costs and administrative difficulties involved in the implementation of such a system would not be sufficiently beneficial to warrant its introduction. Pressure on restaurant operators to improve standards can effectively be exerted by their customers, and Bord Fáilte's approach is one of stimulating customer awareness.
Has the Minister any proposals to take steps so that tourists, and our own people touring the country, can have some indication of the type of quality and service they can expect in our main restaurants?
I would like to see that happening but I must accept Bord Fáilte's advice when they say that it would cost a great deal in regard to what are called the gourmet areas, what might be parallel with the grade A type restaurants. They are all of a very high standard and would not need listing except with regard to their prices or the type of cuisine they offer. It is those below that level that I would be anxious to see registered and there would be considerable difficulties in that regard. Bord Fáilte feel that if they were to list and grade them it would cause a tremendous amount of trouble and resentment among some restaurateurs. They would prefer the approach of seeing that they are up to standard with regard to hygiene and the quality of food served. They hope that customer pressure will keep the standard of the restaurant high.
Is the Minister aware that in Europe and the United States books, published privately, catering for this matter have not only paid for themselves but got on the best seller list? If the Minister or Bord Fáilte cannot do it, they should encourage someone else to do it.
I would be anxious to see somebody do it. I believe such a guide has been published, at the encouragement of Bord Fáilte, and it gives a list of Irish restaurants.
At the rate they are closing down under this Government the problem will solve itself.
That is not the position if one is to judge by what is happening in the city of Dublin where more of them are opening than closing.