asked the Taoiseach the way in which the responsibilities for tourism have been allocated between the Minister of State at the Department of Tourism and Transport and the Minister of State at the Department of Education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial Responsibility for Tourism.
1.
Minister of State Deputy Frank Fahey assists the Minister for Tourism and Transport in promoting tourism through sporting events and personalities. This is a natural extension of his responsibilities at the Department of Education for youth and sport. Minister of State Deputy Denis Lyons assists the Minister for Tourism and Transport in all other tourism areas, as well as transport.
Is it not true that Deputy Frank Fahey has been looking after the players on the pitch and having dinner with them while poor Deputy Lyons has been responsible for the rowdy supporters on the terraces? Is it not true also the reason this appointment was made and Deputy Lyons' job halved is the Taoiseach wanted to throw a sop to Galway West because of his political problems there? Is that not the real reason? The Taoiseach might as well admit it.
That is a most unworthy suggestion.
But it is true.
It did not work.
Question No. 2.
Deputy Frank Fahey has responsibility for sport in the Department of Education——
We have had sports Ministers for 20 years.
Let us hear the reply.
That responsibility involved him increasingly in promoting sporting events and enlisting the aid of sporting personalities for our tourism industry. It was a very natural development and extension of his activities to give him responsibility for that aspect of tourism. It was as simple as that, and not even the convoluted mind of Deputy Barry can read any more into it.
Thank you very much.
Question No. 2.
Does the Taoiseach appreciate my concern to look after the interests of my fellow Cork Deputy and to see that his job is not further diluted when political problems arise for the Taoiseach throughout the country.
Let us avoid statements.
When the day comes when Deputy Lyons has to rely on Deputy Barry to look after his interests——
I know they have problems seeing the Taoiseach and talking to him but I will do it for them.
I am sure the Taoiseach is aware of a statement made by the Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, last year after the Irish golfers had a tremendous win. Deputy Fahey informed the golfers, and indeed the nation, that the Government were looking at the possibility of treating favourably extraordinary winnings of large sums of money. In reply to a parliamentary question of mine Deputy Fahey replied that a favourable tax régime for golfers and other sports persons who win large sums of money abroad was under consideration. Can the Taoiseach tell us if any decision has been made in this matter?
That will be a matter for the budget.