asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, particularly in view of the shortage of hotel accommodation during the peak holiday period, he will issue ration documents for tourists on production of a passport or travel identity card so that such visitors may be accommodated in private houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ration Documents for Tourists.
So long as adequate supplies of unrationed foodstuffs continue to be available I do not consider that the fact that tourists may be accommodated in private houses rather than in hotels makes it necessary to introduce any such special arrangements as the Deputy has suggested.
In the case of butter, for example, the Minister must be aware that it is not possible to buy unrationed butter at present. How are these tourists going to manage then? There is a serious problem in that respect?
We cannot increase the supply of butter by making an Order.
The Minister could ensure that the supplies would be there. Has the Minister received representations to this effect from other bodies?
No, I do not think so.
Representations in this matter have been made to me by R.G.D.A.T.A. amongst other bodies; and all grocers are finding it impossible to deal with the position.