asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he will now initiate discussions with the appropriate sea, air and surface transport operators with a view to formulating a scheme of cheap travel between Britain and Ireland and thus encourage greater numbers of Irish people in Great Britain to come home for a holiday this year; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland-Britain Travel Facilities.
17.
I recognise that price levels of passenger and car transport should constitute a positive encouragement to visit Ireland but fares must necessarily be related to the economics of operation. Moreover, concessions based solely on the nationality of the traveller would be difficult to operate or justify. I am satisfied that the carriers are conscious of the importance of low transport costs in attracting visitors to Ireland and that both independently and in co-operation with Bord Fáilte and other tourist interests they have devised various cheap travel schemes, embracing inclusive tour travel, off-peak travel, group bookings and mid-week travel.
In addition to the promotion of ethnic tourist traffic, a senior officer of Bord Fáilte is assigned on a full-time basis to the generation of the maximum volume of ethnic travel from Britain. He is supported by all the board's British offices. The situation is being carefully watched in the light of the necessity for the assignment of further personnel to ethnic traffic promotion. In all the circumstances, I consider that there is at present no need for the discussions suggested by the Deputy.
I should like to ask the Minister if he is aware that according to a recent survey only about 40 per cent of Irish born people resident in Britain are able to come home on their annual holidays because of the high cost of transport and I would ask him why discussions are not initiated with the various carriers to devise some cheaper form of travel for Irish people wishing to return here?
Forty per cent may come but that does not mean that only 40 per cent can come home. There is no point in misinterpreting figures. At present Bord Fáilte are busily engaged on the British market and in fact their budget has been substantially increased and this particular aspect is being given particular attention.
Is the Minister suggesting that they do not want to come home under Fianna Fáil?
Ah, Deputy, that does not do you justice at all.
They cannot come home because they cannot afford to, because of the high cost of travel.