asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will introduce a petrol concessions scheme for tourists as suggested by the Irish Hotels Federation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Petrol Concessions.
37.
I have been giving this proposal very sympathetic consideration from the tourism point of view. The scheme proposed by the Irish Hotels Federation does, however, raise a number of serious difficulties. In the first place it is difficult to establish that the proposed concession would, in fact, lead to increased tourist revenues which would justify the direct cost to the Exchequer. The scheme would also involve a subsidy to foreign tourists and, therefore, discriminate against Irish motorists, including tourists from the North of Ireland. As Deputies will be aware there have also been demands from other sectors of the economy for concessions in respect of petrol tax.
Any scheme for separate prices for petrol for tourists or other particular classes raises grave difficulties of administration and opens the way to abuse. Such concessions also, of course, run contrary to the policies of conservation of energy which we have adopted in common with other oil consumer countries. The proposals are still under examination in consultation with the Department of Finance and I hope to be in a position to convey a decision at a very early date.
Is the Minister aware that this sort of scheme is in operation in a number of other countries and is regarded as successful and useful?
No. I am aware that two countries propose to operate it, but it could not be regarded as successful in use because it has not been tried yet.
A number of European countries, even before the present problem arose, in particular Italy, had schemes such as this.
France had it in operation.
They dropped it because it was too difficult to administer.
Is the Minister taking into account the fact that this country is an island and every foreign tourist who comes here, other than those from Northern Ireland who would not count under this scheme, has to bring his car in by ship? The cost of getting here is much greater than it is in respect of getting to any other European country. Does he not appreciate that, unless some concession is given to motorists, not alone will there not be an improvement in the number of motoring tourists but there is likely to be a drop because of the substantially higher costs of getting to Ireland?
One of my objections to the Irish Hotels Federation scheme is that it does not include people from the North of Ireland. I accept what the Deputy says that it is dearer to come here, say from England, than it is from France to Italy because there is only a border crossing there. These points were made to me by the Irish Hotels Federation and other people who made representations to me and they are points that are being taken into consideration at the moment. I hope to be able to announce something on this as soon as possible.
Is the Minister aware that tourist councils and Bord Fáilte have endorsed the Hotels Federation submission? Morocco, for instance, have introduced petrol at 52p a gallon especially for the tourist industry. In view of the tourist industry being as important as it is to this country would the Minister consider this very sympathetically?
I have said I am doing that.