asked the Minister for Transport and Power the amount of funds supplied to regional tourist organisations in the last financial year; and the amount allotted for the current year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Regional Tourist Organisations.
15.
The regional tourism companies are financed by Bord Fáilte, local authorities and membership contributions. They also receive a small amount of revenue from advertisements and sales of tourist literature.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that in 1970-71 they provided £309,000 to the regional companies and that they propose to provide £374,000 in the current financial year.
Mr. O'Donnell
In view of the difficulties which have been experienced in tourism over the last 18 months does the Minister think that the reduction in the allocation to the regional tourism companies will have further adverse effects on tourism promotion? Has the Minister seen the publicity over the weekend and the statements from the spokesmen of various regional tourism organisations announcing that a number of information offices have had to be closed?
I do not think the Deputy could have heard me. The amount allocated in the current year for the regional tourism organisations is up and is not a reduction.
Mr. O'Donnell
They are closing down information offices. When the Minister was in the State over the weekend they were closing down information offices.
I am concerned with the question which I was asked, the amount of money allocated to the regional tourist organisations. In 1970-71 £309,000 was allocated and in the current year £374,000 is being allocated.
Will the Minister not agree that the additional money which is being allocated to the regional tourist boards is less than the amount required to make up for the fall in the value of money and is it true that because they are unable to continue the services as they were last year there is a reduction in the services being provided?
On this very point I have been at pains on several occasions in this House—and indeed I asked Deputy Tully to put down a question about this matter—to emphasise the importance of properly organised marketing and promotion work outside the country in markets where we can get tourist customers. Under that heading the overall provision for Bord Fáilte in the present year is £500,000 up on last year.
(Interruptions.)