asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is yet in a position to give firm tourist projections for the present year.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
18.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will now set up an impartial body to make a searching inquiry into the causes of the drastic drop in tourism in the present year with a view to taking the necessary steps to rectify the situation before the next tourist season.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
Official figures in relation to tourism are compiled by the Central Statistics Office, who publish an annual estimate of tourism income. The estimate for 1970 will not be available until well into next year. The information so far available indicates that for the first six months of this year there was a net increase of 4.8 per cent in tourist numbers from all markets except Northern Ireland, for which it is not possible to make a separate estimate at this stage. I am informed by Bord Fáilte that in view of the many and unusual adverse factors in the present year it is not practicable to make any reliable projections at this point.
There is no need to set up a body on the lines suggested by Deputy Clinton. The causes of the drop in tourism are well known and were in the main outside our control. As I have already informed the House, I have asked Bord Fáilte to carry out an urgent and full appraisal of their activities in the light of the problems facing the industry with a view to making any changes which appeared necessary to ensure the continued expansion of tourist income. I have also discussed the planning and proper organisation of tourist development for the coming years with the Irish Hotels Federation. Both Bord Fáilte and the federation will be submitting to me as soon as possible reports in relation to the development of tourism not alone for next year but for the next five years.
The Minister said that it is not necessary to set up any body to investigate the serious situation that exists. Is he aware of the very serious concern felt by hoteliers and people in business generally associated with tourism? Is he aware that they are not satisfied, as he is, that all the reasons have been pinpointed and that the Minister has taken adequate steps to secure the position for next year and the years ahead?
I am taking the necessary steps in consultation with the interests involved.
When the Minister states that the causes for the substantial drop are due to circumstances beyond our control, what, in fact, has he in mind?
The Deputy may speculate on that himself.
I am not a mind-reader. What has the Minister in mind?
One of the main factors undoubtedly is the unfortunate situation in the northern part of the country. That is a very definite factor.
And in the south also.
(Interruptions.)