asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of the fact that cheap holiday charter flights to the Continent are an integral part of the marketing of package holidays in Britain, he proposes to take any steps to introduce similar air travel concessions between Britain and Ireland; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
19.
Mr. O'Donnell
The present conditions applicable to inclusive tour charter flights between Britain and the Continent also apply between Britain and Ireland. The situation is one for the travel trade to exploit.
20.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that high transport charges between Britain and Ireland are a major factor inhibiting the growth of tourism from Britain; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to rectify the matter.
I am not aware that the level of cross-Channel transport charges is a major inhibiting factor in the development of tourist traffic from Britain. The various sea and air carriers are conscious of the necessity for low transport charges to stimulate traffic growth. The carriers, both independently and in co-operation with Bord Fáilte and other tourist interests, have introduced and promoted various travel incentives, including discounts for ethnic and group travel and reduced rates for excursion, special interest and conference travel. At the same time, carriers' rates have to be at levels related to the economics of operation.
Mr. O'Donnell
Would the Minister consider the possibility of having discussions, particularly with the air carriers with a view, perhaps, to devising some more attractive fare structures for tourists for the 1972 season?
We are having discussions of this nature.
Is the Minister aware of any problem inhibiting the growth of tourism or is his answer always that there is no problem as far as tourism is concerned?
Deputy O'Donnell and I are on a different wavelength.
No. The Minister tells us every time that there is nothing inhibiting tourism, that everything in the garden is rosy while everybody knows, especially the hoteliers, that there is a grave tourist problem. Why not admit it and face up to it?
The Deputy is not helping.
(Interruptions.)
The people who are not helpful are on the Minister's side of the House. It was they who frightened the people from coming in through their actions when the Government was standing idly by.
(Interruptions.)
That is what happened, accusations about people bringing in arms frightened people away.
21.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether duty-free concessions will be in operation across the Irish Sea for the 1972 tourist season; and, if not, why.
As I explained in reply to a question on the subject on 23rd June, 1971, a report recommending the introduction of duty-free facilities on air and sea routes between Britain and Ireland is being examined. Before decisions can be taken in relation to the introduction of facilities of this nature, consultation with other authorities concerned is necessary. In the circumstances, it is not possible to say now whether the concessions proposed in the report will be in operation for the 1972 tourist season.
Mr. O'Donnell
Can we take it that the Minister is favourably disposed towards the idea of each introducing duty-free concessions?
Yes, it is being taken up with British Rail.
Mr. O'Donnell
Apart from the fact that these concessions would make travel more attractive and might generate a greater flow of tourist traffic, would the Minister not agree that it might have the effect of stabilising transport charges?
There is no doubt whatever that it would be a considerable attraction and we are trying to arrange it.
22.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power why the tourist workshops in Britain and Europe for 1971 were held during the summer in view of the unsuitability of that time of the year.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the timing of tourist workshops is determined by the demands of the markets and the board make every effort to ensure that the workshops are held at times when maximum business is likely to be transacted. Tourist workshops were held in London and Frankfurt in June, 1971 and were aimed primarily at promoting business for 1972. Advantage was, however, taken of the workshops to seek additional traffic for the 1971 season.
The London workshop was scheduled for April, which is considered to be the most suitable month for the British market, but because of the British postal strike the workshop had to be deferred until June. The next British workshop is planned for April, 1972.
In Germany, tourist programmes for the following year are prepared during the months of June, July and August. The month of June is accordingly regarded as the most suitable month for the travel trade in Germany to negotiate business for the following year.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is the Minister aware that the tourist workshop which was held in early June in London proved to be a complete waste of time? The main factor responsible for this failure was that it was held in June, which is a ludicrous time to hold the workshop.
I explained to the Deputy that it was scheduled for April but, because of the British postal strike, it had to be deferred until June. It will be held in April next year. However, June is considered the best month for Germany. One has to be guided by the experts in the travel business as to the appropriate time for the workshop.
Mr. O'Donnell
In the event of Bord Fáilte deciding to hold future workshops, will the Minister insist that December or January are the best time to hold a workshop, particularly in London?
April is the time they consider most suitable for a workshop in London.