asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to reports of a survey of tourist bookings for the 1971 season which shows that the level of these bookings, particularly from Britain, is unsatisfactory; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Bookings.
12.
Mr. O'Donnell
The newspaper reports referred to by the Deputy related to a survey of advance bookings for the months of April and May only and not to the full 1971 season. I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the survey was compiled at the end of March and the first week in April, when the effect of the British postal strike was still being felt in relation to bookings from that market. More recent information available to the board indicates that the situation in relation to bookings from all markets for May and the rest of the season has improved. Bord Fáilte will be keeping the position under review and will continue to carry out publicity and promotional work in the months ahead.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is the Minister aware that not merely has the recent report from Bord Fáilte but the report from CIE and also the surveys carried out by the Hotels Federation in recent weeks have confirmed the fact that the situation is serious and that the outlook for 1971 is even worse than it was for 1970? In light of the evidence we have now and the Minister's statement that Bord Fáilte will be keeping the matter under review, would the Minister not agree that what we need is some definite action to try to counteract the downward trend of bookings, particularly from Britain?
I am not going to minimise the seriousness of the position, caused by factors outside our control, particularly in the north eastern part of the country. The only real figures available to us relate to the period of the postal strike. We will have more real figures relating to the season from April onwards available in two or three weeks time. We have made substantially increased funds available to Bord Fáilte for the present financial year compared to last year. This is for promotional work and marketing work——
What does the Minister mean by "substantially increased funds"?
If the Deputy puts down a question next week I will give him the precise figures.
The Minister may be chancing his arm here. He knows quite well that what he says is not true.
Will the Deputy please be courteous? I am asking the Deputy to put down a question next week and I will let him know the precise figures.
I have got the figures and I know the Minister is not telling the truth.
I am telling the truth. I am saying the figures under marketing and promotion for Bord Fáilte as laid out in the Book of Estimates for the coming year are substantially ahead of the figures in the Book of Estimates set out this time last year. These are the facts. If the Deputy puts down the question I will give him those facts in greater detail.
I have got the figures and I know that what the Minister says is not true.
The Deputy can challenge that by putting down a question. I am now addressing Deputy O'Donnell.
I would remind the Minister that he is addressing the House.
If the Deputy puts down a question he will get an answer.
May I request the Minister in any promotional work that may be undertaken across the water to bear in mind the special problem of hoteliers and guesthouse keepers in the west of Ireland. During the years they have been neglected. Will the Minister assure the House that special attention will be given to their problems because the income they derive from tourism is vital in order to keep them in business?
This has been done particularly in regard to supplementary accommodation—the guesthouse and farmhouse type of supplementary accommodation which we are developing in the underdeveloped counties in the west of Ireland.
Mr. O'Donnell
Will the Minister not admit that the available evidence indicates a reduction of 20 per cent in tourist traffic for 1971? Further, will the Minister not admit that this was predicted several months ago and if the Government had taken appropriate action last December, January, February or March, something could have been done to counteract the adverse factors? The Government did nothing.
As the Deputy is well aware, I cut all corners and all red tape in making available, with the help of the Minister for Finance, a sum of £400,000 for a special promotional campaign which the Government made available to Bord Fáilte for strictly marketing purposes. This amount was spent in the months mentioned by the Deputy. Everything that could be done was done and if factors outside our control militate against us it is not the Government's fault.
Mr. O'Donnell
What has been done in Britain since the postal strike?
We cannot discuss this question all afternoon. I am calling Question No. 13.