Vol. 456 No. 5
23 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he has satisfied himself with the availability of car hire during the 1995 tourism season; if he has assessed the effect of specific measures introduced in recent years to boost car hire supply to meet peak demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14093/95]
42 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he has satisfied himself with the availability of car hire during the 1995 tourism season; if he has assessed the effect of specific measures introduced in recent years to boost car hire supply to meet peak demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14094/95]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 23 and 42 together.
Bord Fáilte confirm that to date it has not been made aware of any shortages in the availability of vehicles for hire this season, including the critical peak period of July-August. The Car Rental Council of Ireland acknowledge that the introduction of the VRT relief scheme in 1993 has been a major factor in assisting firms to boost fleet size. Measures to improve the seasonal spread of overseas visitors to Ireland in recent years has also helped to ease pressures on car hire supply.
