asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he was consulted by Córas Iompair Éireann with reference to the handing over by them of the management of the railway hotels, owned by them, to a foreign concern; whether he approved of the company's action in the matter; if not, what steps he has taken to prevent the carrying out of their decision; and whether he will now consider handing over the management of the railway hotels to the Irish Tourist Board, on the assumption that Córas Iompair Éireann is incapable of running them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Hotels.
I have no statutory function in the management of Córas Iompair Éireann hotels. The company advised me of their intention to negotiate with an outside firm for the management of their hotel and restaurant system for a limited period. It was stated that the company have a special problem during the next few years in that considerable modernisation and alteration of kitchens and other sections of their hotels is necessary. They considered it would be in the best interests of the company to employ, for a couple of years, a firm who have the services of a number of expert advisers in each specialised field of hotel management. I understand that this firm will be responsible to the board in the same manner as any of the individual employees of the company.
Will the Minister say if this is not a departure from Government policy which was responsible for setting up the Irish Tourist Board and for giving authority and finances to that board to run hotels under the management of Irish nationals, and does he suggest—if he does nobody else will—that the Great Southern Railway hotels or the hotels up to now managed by Córas Iompair Éireann were not efficiently managed by Irishmen?
I am not familiar with the circumstances which induced Córas Iompair Éireann to make this decision. The employment of technical advisers of high standard to solve difficult problems of administration in this or in any other industry is completely in accord with Government policy.
Is not this policy in contradiction with the aims in connection with the establishment of the Irish Tourist Board?
I do not think so.