Vol. 353 No. 5
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the reason the Government have not sanctioned an application from Bord Fáilte for a grant scheme for accommodation repairs and renewals, if he will now sanction this application and if he will make a statement on the matter.
7.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps he proposes to take to implement the commitment given towards the introduction of a refurbishing scheme for Irish hotels.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
In the context of an overall assessment of Bord Fáilte's capital grant schemes, I am currently considering recommendations with regard to grant aid for the accommodation sector over the next few years. The Deputies will no doubt appreciate that careful and detailed appraisal of possible new grant schemes is essential to ensure a real return to the Exchequer from any schemes introduced. I would expect that a decision in the matter will be taken in the near future. At this stage, no commitment has been given with regard to the introduction of a refurbishing grant scheme.
I should like to remind the Minister that in a speech in this House last December he indicated a commitment on behalf of his Department towards the introduction of a refurbishing scheme for hotels. Is the Minister suggesting now that he has not considered yet the details of that scheme and is he aware that more than half of the 700 hotels in the country suffered a loss last year? Does he propose honouring the commitment given solemnly in the House last autumn?
I must reiterate that no such commitment was given as the Official Report will show. However, I am conscious of the position in relation to hotels but having regard to the whole tourist accommodation sector, which includes various other types of accommodation as well as hotels, all sectors must be examined with a view to ascertaining the area in which to invest money that will bring about the best return possible to the Exchequer. That investigation comes within the hotels repairs and renewals scheme.
I take it that the refurbishing grant will apply to all registered accommodation, guesthouses and so on.
I have said that I am currently considering recommendations with regard to grant aid for the accommodation sector in the next few years. That includes every sector of tourist accommodation.
When were these grants available last and for how long has there been an application before the Government from Bord Fáilte for re-activating the grants? Can the Minister give any indication as to when the grants will be sanctioned? For instance, will they be sanctioned this year or must the people concerned wait until next year?
The grants scheme operated in the years 1974 to 1979 but one aspect, the bedroom improvement scheme, continues in operation. As I have said, I hope to be in a position in the near future to give a decision in respect of the grant aid that will be available in respect of 1985.
Is the Minister aware that recent Bord Fáilte surveys have shown that the accommodation standards have dropped considerably in the past couple of years. Having regard to the detrimental effect this could have on the whole industry, can the Minister indicate whether the grants will be sanctioned in 1984 or in 1985?
I am concious of the situation in a number of hotels because of the lack of profits and the absence of investment. I am aware that a number of hotels have become run down because of this but as I have said the whole accommodation sector must be investigated before public moneys are dispensed from the Exchequer. We must have regard to getting the best return possible for these moneys.
