asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement on the performance of the tourism sector during the 1967 season; and whether any special difficulties have been encountered which might necessitate the carrying out of a comprehensive review of tourism progress to date with a view to formulating new plans for the further expansion of the industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
18.
Sufficient returns are not yet available to enable a final assessment to be given on how tourism has fared so far in 1967. The indications are that we will have achieved an increase in the number of visitors, but this does not necessarily mean that revenue will have increased proportionately.
The progress of the tourist industry is kept under constant review. Earlier this year, I authorised Bord Fáilte to increase substantially the grants available for the development of holiday accommodation with the particular objective of encouraging the provision of both hotel and guesthouse accommodation and of supplementary including farmhouse accommodation in the western countries. Recently, Bord Fáilte announced a programme aimed at developing new business during the off-peak season. The Deputy may be assured that the development of tourism has my close attention at all times and I have regular consultations with Bord Fáilte to ensure that measures are adopted as necessary to deal with any particular problems that may arise.