asked the Minister for Transport and power if he is aware of the fact that conducted bus tours by CIE do not indicate to tourists the opportunities to buy Irish goods such as textiles, souvenirs, etc., in the centres where such goods are available; and if he will issue instructions to tour conductors of CIE to make some effort to publicise and help the sale of such goods.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Conducted Bus Tours.
7.
I am informed by CIE that training of coach tour couriers, includes information on the types of Irish goods which are most likely to be of interest to tourists and the couriers are instructed to indicate to passengers where these goods may be purchased.
Commercial advertising for particular goods or firms is of course a matter for arrangement with CIE.
Is the Minister aware that on these conducted tours the people who wish to buy Irish goods where these are available do not get an opportunity of doing so because the one aim of CIE seems to be to get them back intc the bus and proceed to wherever they are going? Does he think that is conducive to the sale of Irish goods?
As far as I understand, time is given, where possible, to enable tourists to buy Irish goods. If the Deputy knows of any place or location where the movement of the bus is such that it precludes allowing people out a little longer to buy Irish goods and if he refers the matter to CIE, they can reply to the Deputy and give him particulars.