asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that guest registration in hotels in 1957 dropped by 106,000 compared with 1956, and that the total hotel receipts in 1957 were over £1,000,000 less than in 1956; whether this trend is likely to continue; and if he will ascertain what steps Bord Fáilte Éireann propose to take in the matter in view of the importance of the tourist industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Guest Registration in Hotels.
It is correct that the latest quarterly report published by the Central Statistics Office on their inquiry into hotel and guest house receipts indicates that the number of guest registrations in hotels in 1957 decreased as compared with 1956. It is not correct that total hotel receipts in 1957 were over £1,000,000 less than in 1956; the report shows that total hotel receipts in 1957 increased by £67,000 as compared with 1956.
Bord Fáilte Éireann are charged by statute with the task of promoting the development of the tourist traffic in Ireland and particulars of the steps taken by them in pursuance of their statutory functions are contained in the annual reports of the board, which are presented to the Oireachtas.