Tony Killeen
Question:10 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the views, if any, he has on the role of pubs in the development of Ireland's tourism product. [8335/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Role of Pubs in Tourism.
David Andrews
Question:57 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the effects of the pub licensing hours on tourism. [8434/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 57 together.
Bord Fáilte has indicated to me that it has received no complaints regarding pub licensing hours, nor has the subject shown up as a problem in any research carried out by it. It would therefore appear that pub licensing hours are adequate for tourist needs.
With regard to the role of pubs in Irish tourism, Bord Fáilte promotes 50 pub premises which fulfil accommodation requirements set out by it under two separate categories. In addition many of the regional tourism organisations promote pubs providing Irish music, entertainment and food. The publicans and their organisations have also been encouraged to co-operate in promoting tourism in their areas thus supporting the work of Bord Fáilte and the regional tourism organisations.
I am somewhat disappointed with the Minister's response in that it indicates a lack of appreciation of the role of the pub in this regard and this has been indicated by the group who represent publicans. Does he plan to assist publicans with funding from initiatives under European Union funding programmes? Has he plans to introduce specific grants as incentives for publicans to improve their premises for the tourism trade?
In regard to the Deputy's comment on my reply, the Department of Justice deals with changes in legislation governing pub licensing hours and it has not received a formal application for alterations to the present pub opening hours to assist the tourism industry or otherwise. I am sure the Deputy is aware that the main change in licensing hours which publicans would welcome would be an extension of opening hours to approximately 2 a.m. on week nights. The present law also provides for pub closure between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays. The tourism organisations have not indicated a wish for the abolition of that law.
The initiative introduced in the budget is a first step in regard to the grants for public houses and will cater for public houses in chosen areas. Otherwise, publicans are eligible for assistance for ancillary tourism facilities provided as part of their premises.
Those in the pub business have indicated they would like to contribute to the marketing of Ireland overseas and have complained that they do not have sufficient opportunity to do so. As a mark of goodwill, will the Minister consider placing a representative of the pub trade on the board of Bord Fáilte or, in view of its substantial role in training, on the board of CERT?
The Deputy will be aware that vacancies on State boards are appointed by the Government when they arise. There are no vacancies on the boards of Bord Fáilte or CERT at present. If and when such vacancies arise I am sure the Deputy will consult with me.
I am sure the Minister will accept Deputy Killeen's nomination.