asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement on the prospects for the tourist industry this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry Prospects.
13.
While it is too early to be definite about tourist prospects for 1976, on the basis of Bord Fáilte's estimates the upturn in the tourist industry which commenced in 1973 will be maintained in the current year.
Does the Minister agree that this industry will be seriously affected by the budget increases on road tax, petrol and the coming VAT increases and also that these will place the industry in a very serious position?
I would not agree at all. We are extremely competitive in terms of tourism in Europe. We are offering exceptionally good value for money and I am certain there will be more tourists availing of that value this year than last year.
Question No. 14.
Would the Minister agree that in the budget tourism only suffered punishment and no relief whatever was given to an industry which was only coming out of recession?
I do not agree with either part of the Deputy's question. The tourist industry is not coming out of a recession. I admit that for many years from 1968 on there was definitely great cause for concern in the tourist industry but 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975 have shown increases one year over the other and I am confident that that will be continued in 1976.
Would the Minister not agree——
Will the Deputy allow question time to progress somewhat smoothly.
I have got something to ask.
The Deputy should get the permission of the Chair in the first instance.
Is the Minister concerned that the budget will act as a repellant to those who would come here and hire a car for a holiday?
Am I permitted to answer that or do you want me to go on to Question No. 14?
(Interruptions.)
I am concerned. This country is still very competitive with other European countries.
14.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the action he has taken to encourage and assist cross-border co-operation on tourism.
The development of tourist traffic in and to the State is a statutory function of Bord Fáilte but it is an area where I assist, when appropriate.
I am conscious, as indeed are Bord Fáilte, of the desirability of cross-border co-operation in the field of tourism and I can assure the Deputy that this aspect of tourism policy will continue to be pursued as appropriate at all times. The Deputy will, however, appreciate that, having regard to the sensitive issues involved simple promotional techniques cannot be employed nor can the level of activity be consistently high.
Would the Minister not agree that it is of particular importance that Bord Fáilte and his Department be seen to do something more at the present time to encourage co-operation especially on an issue that is non-political and non-contentious? Does the Minister not agree they could do more?
I do not think they could do more. Bord Fáilte and my Department are very conscious of the necessity to do as much as possible in cross-border co-operation in the field of tourism. I might have some reservations about the fact that it would be a good thing to be seen to be doing it.
Would the Minister not consider the suggestion of a package holiday which could provide a hotel or a guest house in this part of the country for part of the period and the same in Northern Ireland for the remainder? Does the Minister agree that that would appeal to many visitors?
I think it would. I would be certainly very keen to follow up any kind of co-operation in that regard. If the Deputy has any suggestions I would be very glad to act on them and to bring them to the attention of Bord Fáilte.