Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 5

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Peace Process.

Seán Power

Question:

43 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the evidence, if any, there is that the peace process has had a reverse effect enticing tourists who would normally holiday in the Republic to go instead to Northern Ireland. [14077/95]

Tony Killeen

Question:

127 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the evidence that exists that the peace process has had a reverse effect, enticing tourists who would normally holiday in the Republic to go instead to Northern Ireland. [14128/95]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 127 together.

There is no evidence at present to suggest that tourism in the State is losing out because of the peace process. CSO figures for the first six months of 1995 indicate that overseas visits to the State have increased by 232,000 visitors or 15 per cent over the same period in 1994, confirming impressions that the peace process has had a positive impact on tourism performance. I understand that overseas visits to Northern Ireland for the same period have shown an increase of 48,000 visitors equivalent to a 12 per cent increase over 1994.

The cessation of violence in Northern Ireland is enticing many more visitors to the island of Ireland than would otherwise have been the case and that both North and South are benefiting from the improved perception of Ireland as a tourist destination.