asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his Department have estimated the potential loss of revenue from the tourist industry for 1973; and, if so, the amount of this estimate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
25.
The unrest in Northern Ireland in recent years has made it very difficult to make reliable forecasts of tourism revenue. As the situation in the North during the next few months will materially affect tourism here in 1973, it is not possible at this stage to give a meaningful forecast of tourism earnings for next year. I am, however, informed by Bord Failte that the board expect some increase in tourism revenue in 1973.
May I remind the Minister of a statement he made the other day to the effect that the whole solution to the problem would be forthcoming in the next couple of months and as a result we need have no fears about the tourist situation in this country? Would he not think he is now making a statement which is inaccurate in the light of what he said previously?
The Deputy will appreciate that one must take a responsible attitude in this matter. As far as tourist revenue is concerned it will be dependent on a political settlement over the next few months that will lead to reconciliation between people in all parts of this island.
Which hat was the Minister wearing when he made that speech?
Apparently with the best will in the world we are looking forward to the continuation of a loss of revenue in tourism, whether there is an improvement or not. There may be an improvement over last year but it looks as if the trend will be a downward one. Has any consideration been given to subsidising the industry which has taken a hard knocking over the past year and more than likely in the coming year will face adverse circumstances once more? Has any consideration been given to a subsidy for the industry?
That is a separate question?
Not a subsidy as such but help in a meaningful way. Discussions have taken place with all the interests in the industry with a view to doing this. There will be increased funds at the disposal of Bord Fáilte to secure an expansion in the industry next year but fundamentally it is the opinion of everybody involved in the industry with whom I discussed the matter that no real progress will be made unless there is a political settlement and unless there is reconciliation and peace in this island.
Would the Minister like to clarify the speech he made?
I have summarised it.
Surely the Minister will admit that a good deal of the loss of revenue, and of the potential loss of revenue in 1973, from tourism is due to the Government's action and inaction over the past few years and especially due to the fact that the Government gave money to set up the Provisional IRA and the Official IRA?
That has nothing to do with the question.
Surely the Minister realises that is why there was a drop in tourist revenue?
That has nothing to do with the question. I am calling Question No. 26. The Deputy may not make a speech. We are wasting time.
(Interruptions.)
Why is the Minister talking about reconciliation? The Government brought in guns to this country to murder fellow Irish men and women. That should be put on the records of this House. You knew about the low standards in high places.
The Deputy's bluff was called and he was found out.
The Minister knew about them. Is it not true that you gave money to the Provisional IRA?
Could we have some high standards in the House?
Yes, but the Government should have set standards a few years ago and not try to get out of it now. This Government gave money to both the Provisional IRA and the Official IRA and Deputy Blaney laid that before the House last week.
This is most disorderly. We cannot have a debate in this fashion.
That is why we have disorder in this country today. If some of it unfortunately leaks in here it is because of the Government's action and inaction over the past three years.
If the Deputy is finished now I will go on to Question Time.
I suggest that we bring in a toy hobbyhorse for Deputy L'Estrange.
The Government were a queer hobbyhorse when they gave money to the Provisionals and the Official IRA. The Government wanted to be on the two sides of the stream at the same time.
Order. Could we have the reply to Question No. 26?
That particular hobbyhorse is well ridden now.
You rode it for the last three years. It is like the hospital in Roscommon and the draining of the Shannon.
That is all right; it is coming on very nicely.
He is on the Border.
He is settling that in two months.