asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has made representations to the Minister for Finance regarding the high cost of car hire in Ireland which has been identified by a broad range of interests as one of the major drawbacks facing efforts to increase tourist numbers.
Written Answers. - Car Hire Costs.
43.
The Minister for Finance is fully aware of my concerns about the high cost of car hire in Ireland compared with some European countries and the US.
As I pointed out to the House on 24 May 1988, in response to a parliamentary question from Deputy Pat O'Malley on car hire costs, while the current state of the public finances would preclude a lowering of excise rates on cars for the time being, efforts are being made by Government to improve the competitiveness of the car hire sector. Lower access fares, reduced inflation and more favourable rates for tourist accommodation have all helped to improve the competitiveness of fly-drive holiday packages to Ireland this year. As a result of increased competition in the insurance sector and in anticipation of benefits accruing from the recent Courts Act, 1988, insurance premia have already begun to come down. The House will also be aware of the introduction this autumn by the Government, in conjunction with the Car Rental Council of Ireland, of a car rental bonus scheme for the North American market.