asked the Minister for Transport and Power the action he proposes to take to offset the ill effects on the tourist industry of the greatly increased cost of sea and air fares to this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sea and Air Fares.
47.
I understand from Bord Fáilte that, in conjunction with the carriers and tour wholesalers, they are increasing their efforts in the provision of inclusive holidays and special "transport only" offers from all markets, together with the promotion of charters from the United States and Canada. The access transportation costs built into these inclusive holidays is at a rate significantly below the standard fare.
Over the past three years the board have been successful in developing with the carriers a range of promotional fares on both air and sea services from Britain. These "transport only" offers will again be available in 1976. In addition, reasonably priced express coach-boat services introduced in 1975 have proved highly successful and an external route system is proposed for 1976.
From the United States both inclusive tour and travel group charters have been extensively promoted. The volume of traffic on such charter programmes continues to increase and the capacity available for 1976 has been significantly increased to meet the expected rise in demand. The introduction of one-stop tour charters —with less restrictive conditions—and special event charters will further improve the range of low-cost transportation facilities on offer in the market.
From Canada, advance booking charters have proved successful and additional capacity is planned for 1976.
Access from Continental European markets is facilitated by the range of inclusive holidays available by both air—based on scheduled and charter services—and sea. Bord Fáilte are anxious to develop, in conjunction with wholesalers, charter series where commercially viable. The range of promotional fares on scheduled air services, where available, is vigorously promoted. On both the direct car ferry service and "landbridge" routes via Britain, particular promotional emphasis is placed on the special "transport only" offers.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.