asked the Minister for Industry, Trade Commerce and Tourism if he will provide extra financial assistance towards the promotion and marketing of Irish tourism for 1985.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourism Promotion.
8.
I am not at present in a position to provide the information sought. The Deputy might wish to repeat his question following the publication of the 1985 Estimates.
Is the Minister aware of the discontent of the Irish Hotels Federation and tourist interests generally, with particular reference to Cork and Kerry, regarding the figures published recently by Bord Fáilte? The Minister will be aware, even from what he knows of his own town, that there has been a substantial fall-off in figures. Bord Fáilte have stated that there has been a substantial increase in the figures this year. The reason I am making the point is that earlier in the year the Minister gave a commitment to consider a tourist promotion on a three year basis and to increase the allocation. He must bear in mind that the figures published by Bord Fáilte are disputed by the hotels federation.
This matter will be covered in another question, so perhaps the Deputy will wait until that question is reached.
Is the Minister aware that because of their considerably reduced allocations, the regional tourist boards have had to close some tourist offices? The Minister will appreciate that these offices are the backbone of the industry and that their closure would spell disaster for that already ailing industry. Can he give a commitment that sufficient moneys will be made available to keep these offices open.
In the absence of the 1985 Estimate figures I am not in a position to say what moneys will be available for local tourist offices.
Is it the intention of the Minister that these offices will be in a position to remain open?
I am calling the next question.