asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement on the Government's intentions in relation to Ostlanna Iompair Éireann Teoranta.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ostlanna Iompair Éireann.
2.
I am at present reviewing the previous Government's decision to dispose of the hotels and I hope to be in a position to report to Government very shortly in the matter.
Does the Minister consider that he has had an adequate return for the £4.5 million granted in 1984?
In my opinion, the decision to set up Ostlanna Iompair Éireann Teoranta was a good one. The hotels have done extremely well. They look on a major programme of renovation and refurbishing. I take this opportunity to congratulate them on their profits of £386,000 last year, and a projected profit of £400,000 this year.
Would the Minister say whether he regards running hotels as a proper area of State activity? If the hotels are to be disposed of, would he agree that the time to dispose of them is when they are making a profit? In those circumstances, will he expedite the Government decision?
I do not wish to go into detail now because I have met Ostlanna Iompair Éireann and the trade unions who have a great interest in this matter. I hope to have the memorandum before the Government next week or the week after so that the Government can make a decision. The previous Government asked these people to come together——
The Government after 20 January?
No. The previous Government asked the people concerned to see what they could do. They did a very good job by turning a loss into a small profit. They are working to a programme to enhance the hotels. My personal view is that I would be reluctant to sell off these hotels but I will bring the memorandum to the Government at as early a date as possible.
I wanted to ask the Minister for his personal view. I am aware that he has made supportive statements to the hotel groups in the past. As one who has always had a particular interest in this area, I ask him if he will make a statement giving his views on whether the hotels are doing a good job and if there is a future for them. I can assure him that I will be very supportive of these hotels.
I have made my views known in this House on a number of occasions. I am supportive of the present operation but the Deputy will appreciate that I am bringing a memorandum to the Government giving all the figures and the projected figures. The people running these hotels are extremely efficient. There may come a time when the hotels should be sold but at present the management are working to a programme. They had a very difficult task and I am in favour of letting them complete that programme.
Would the Minister confirm that some of the people who have been most associated with the progress made in the last year are anxious to see the hotels go into the private sector because they believe what has been achieved now means they are in a position to make their way very successfully in the private sector.
I cannot confirm that. The deputation of the management and board of Ostlanna Iompair Éireann and the unions have been with me and are very supportive of the present proposals. No individual has written or spoken to me about a contrary view.
They say different things to different people.
In view of the Minister's reply and his statement that he is anxious that the group proceed further, is he speaking about a further expansion by the purchase of new premises? If this is the case, would it be welcomed by him?
I do not wish to say any more at this stage subject to the memorandum coming before the Government. However, it is common knowledge that Ostlanna Iompair Éireann have proposals to expand.