Vol. 256 No. 4
asked the Minister for Transport and Power (a) the precise functions of the National Tourism Council, (b) the organisations represented on it and (c) the organisations which voted in favour of granting landing rights at Dublin to the US carriers.
62.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he has had any recent meetings with the National Tourism Council; and, if so, whether he discussed the landing rights issue with them.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together.
As explained in reply to a question in relation to the National Tourism Council on 12th November, 1970, the council are a voluntary, representative and advisory body. The functions of the council are to encourage and assist the promotion and development of tourism as a major sector in the economy and embrace (a) the development of understanding and co-operation between all interested in Irish tourism and between the tourist industry and the community; (b) the provision of a forum for the collection, exchange and dissemination of information and opinion; and (c) the publication or communication of information and opinion.
I am informed by the council that their membership is as follows:—
Aer Lingus
Bord Fáilte
British European Airways
B & I Line
British Rail
Butlins Irish and Continental Holidays Ltd.
Car Rental Association of Ireland
CERT Ltd.
Córas Iompair Éireann
Fáilte Tuaithe
Irish Caravan Council
Irish Hotels Federation
Irish Transport and General Workers' Union
Irish Travel Agents Association Normandy Ferries
Pan American Airways
Regional Tourism Organisation
Rent-a-Car Federation
Shannon Free Airport Development Co. Ltd.
Trans World Airlines.
I last met the National Tourism Council on 15th July, 1971, for a mid-season review of tourism. The question of entry rights at Dublin for US airlines was not discussed at the meeting. The council have informed me that the voting on the resolution referred to by the Deputy was conducted by secret ballot.
Is it not a fact that the National Tourism Council have, so far as tourism development is concerned, proved to be a totally ineffective body? They have made no practical contribution to find a solution to the serious problems which have confronted tourism in the last two years. The Council are not truly representative of the broad spectrum of national tourism. They are dominated by regional vested interests. Would the Minister not agree that their recent decision regarding landing rights was completely contrary to the national interest and as a result would the Minister now forget about them? They are serving no useful purpose.
There are several questions there.
Is it not a fact that the president of this council is an official of TWA?
Yes, that is a fact. This is a voluntary organisation for which the State have no responsibility. The Dáil and the Government do not vote them any moneys. They are entitled to express a point of view. We can agree or disagree with that view. I expressed my point of view quite emphatically on what they had to say. I deplored what they had to say because of its interference with our negotiating position.
Would the Minister not agree that the concept of a National Tourism Council is a good one, but that the manner in which it is organised at the moment is not truly representative of national interests?
That is a separate question.
We will look into it. The concept is a good one, if it is properly organised.
