asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate (a) what sum of money An Bord Fáilte has expended to date on An Tóstal and (b) if he has satisfied himself that the advertising campaign in England and the U.S.A. is adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - An Tóstal—Bord Fáilte Expenditure.
In the period up to 31st January, 1953, An Bord Fáilte spent approximately £10,000 on the organisation of An Tóstal, 1953, and Fógra Fáilte spent £10,000 on special publicity for the event. In addition, An Bord Fáilte and Fógra Fáilte have entered into firm commitments which will involve them in further expenditure of the order of £5,000 and £36,000 respectively. The total expenditure by the two boards on An Tóstal, 1953, will, therefore, be at least £61,000.
Publicity is a matter for Fógra Fáilte and I do not interfere with the discretion of the board. I have no reason to think that they are not carrying out their duties efficiently and satisfactorily.
Did the Minister receive any complaints as to the inadequacy of the publicity in the United States?
No, I cannot say I have. The amount which we can afford to expend on publicity is small compared with the expenditure of other countries. Any comment I have received so far on publicity in the United States is that it is very good.