Jimmy Deenihan
Question:1 Mr. Deenihan asked the Taoiseach if he intends to change the process involved in compiling tourism statistics as the present system is considered unsatisfactory and not entirely accurate.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Compilation of Tourism Statistics.
The compilation and publication of statistics on tourism and travel is the responsibility of the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Such statistics are compiled on the basis of two sample surveys of passengers, the Country of Residence Survey and the Passenger Card Inquiry, which are carried out by the CSO using internationally accepted definitions and methodologies, in conjunction with actual figures for total passenger movements, supplied by the air and sea carriers.
I am advised by the CSO that, within the constraints on resources available, the present survey methods and the resultant statistics are considered to provide accurate and sufficiently detailed information on tourism and travel.
No changes are envisaged to the present process used in compiling tourism and travel statistics. However this is subject to continual review.
Would the Minister agree that the present tourism statistics do not reflect the full picture on a sectoral and regional basis — for example, numbers may be up while income may be down? Would the Minister not agree that the statistics should be reviewed to give a greater reflection of how the industry is performing in order to provide up to date information for the operators within the industry?
Statistics are published by the CSO on a quarterly basis. The CSO also makes available to Bord Fáilte monthly figures with breakdowns by sector and so on. In addition, Bord Fáilte, through the regional development offices and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, compiles statistics. In total, these figures give an accurate picture of the number of tourists coming to this country.
Will the Minister explain how the Central Statistics Office distinguishes between emigrants, immigrants and tourists? Does the Minister consider that in determining the country of origin the sample of 250,000 people is sufficient in view of the fact that more than 11 million people come through our ports?
As I said in the original reply, the CSO uses methodologies that are accepted by the World Tourism Organisation and by all European countries. Therefore, the sample base is an accepted international standard. Reservations have been expressed down the years as to the number of people coming here who are tourists as distinct from those who are visiting friends or relatives. The definition use by Bord Fáilte is the World Tourism Organisation's accepted definition. Our statistics are regarded as reliable and little or no dissatisfaction has been expressed with them.