asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he proposes to set up a financial institution similar to the Agricultural Credit Corporation to service the tourist industry, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry Institution.
8.
Mr. O'Donnell
The question of the need for a credit institution for the tourist industry is one of a number of matters being examined by Bord Fáilte at present and on which I expect to receive a report from the board in due course.
Mr. O'Donnell
May I take it the Minister agrees that there is a very real need for this type of financial institution to assist guesthouses and the small hotel operators, the people who are developing the type of accommodation which we will need in the future? Is the Minister aware that the provision of this type of financial facility has been advocated for a long time and will he now expedite the matter?
I propose to expedite the matter. The urgency in relation to the larger hotel type accommodation does not arise because we have enough at the present time, but it does arise in relation to the smaller guesthouse, farmhouse accommodation and what are called destination facilities. In my view there is need for some type of institution in this area and Bord Fáilte are investigating in what way it should be established.
Mr. O'Donnell
Some such institution will be established in the foreseeable future. The Minister is in favour of it?
The matter is being investigated and in principle I am in favour of it.