asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the way in which he intends boosting the tourist industry by developing the potential for improved access as laid down in his party's policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
1.
On 3 May last, I announced "Ireland in '87"— a new comprehensive programme to boost tourism into the country in 1987.
A major part of the programme includes measures aimed at providing more extensive and competitive access transport to Ireland. Lower fares than 1986 are now available on all the major sea and air routes into the country. These reductions, many of which are of the order of 15 to 20 per cent should stimulate substantial tourism growth from all markets to Ireland this year. For example, air fares from London to Dublin are available from UK£57 and to Cork and Shannon from UK£67. In the case of UK provincial cities, air fares are available from UK£58 to Dublin and from UK£78 to Shannon and Cork. In the case of air fares from the US, Aer Lingus Greensaver Summer return fares of $449 New York/Shannon are being made available for travel on Wednesdays as well as Tuesdays, thus doubling their availability. These fares, which will be available until 30 September next, are $200 lower than the normal peak levels. In addition, Aer Lingus are offering a special $399 fare available on the same days for US visitors spending a minimum of three weeks in Ireland. Fares from the continent offer similarly attractive rates. In the case of sea routes competitive fares are also on offer. For example, a coach/ship journey for a foot passenger is available at UK£29 return in the shoulder period from London to Dublin.
We all welcome the reduced air fares which I am sure will prove a tremendous stimulus to the industry. Apart from reduced air fares and a lowering of tensions in the Middle East, particularly as far as Americans are concerned, what other factors will improve the tourist industry in 1987?
I will let the Deputy have a copy of the inducements I have already announced if he so wishes. I still have some more to add on and I will send him the full range of inducements.
The Minister mentioned a figure of 400,000 extra tourists in 1987. I was hoping he might be able to inform the House as to how that figure was arrived at.
A question has been put down on that matter and when I come to it I will give the full basis for that statistic.
This morning I was trying to raise the matter of a radio report given by a journalist on the question of Colonel Gadaffi supplying the IRA——
This is Question Time.
I appreciate that. I put down a private notice question but the Chair turned it down on the grounds that there is no urgency about it. This matter needs to be dealt with by the Government today and I now wish to raise it on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
It could have an effect on our tourist industry.
While I appreciate that the Minister has reduced air fares is it not true that they also apply to people leaving this country and that there is an incentive to Irish people to holiday abroad?
A careful ear to my reply would have indicated that the fares I quoted were into the country. My emphasis is on fares into the country. We have done some research and the result of that has indicated that the lowering of fares impacted far more on the Irish scene up to now than it did further east. What we are trying to do is get the message across that our fares are low and highly competitive.
Three cheers for Ryanair.
We have been dealing with all the companies and they have all been helpful.