asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, consequent on food prices here rising to continental levels, the Irish tourist trade, particularly the trade with Britain, will be adversely affected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Prices.
16.
We have the advantage that prices for food and for meals in hotels and restaurants in Ireland are competitive by international standards. Any price increases at a rate in excess of the increases experienced by our competitors would not be beneficial to Irish tourism but it should be remembered that Britain and other European countries are also experiencing increases both in incomes and in prices. As long as our prices remain competitive on the international market our tourist industry should not be adversely affected.
The Minister says there is no problem?
The Financial Times published a very detailed survey in regard to this entire matter. Of 36 cities throughout the world, Dublin comes fifth from the bottom from the point of view of the cost of bed and breakfast, and in regard to Europe out of 18 cities Dublin was third from the bottom, only Madrid and Belgrade having lower prices.
I do not dispute the Minister's figures but I am asking what will happen if and when we join the EEC—will the situation not be reversed? Is not the fact that we are third from the bottom in the European table an attraction in itself?
That is a separate question. It has nothing to do with the question on the Order Paper.
It is related to the question. Are we not dealing with Question No. 16?
We are dealing with Question No. 16 but the Deputy is not.
I am talking about prices of food in this country. It is directly related, in view of the fact that if we enter the EEC prices will rise——
The Deputy is speaking rubbish.