Vol. 403 No. 1
227 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will outline his policy in regard to game shooting by tourists in Ireland; the estimated value of this over the past two years; and if he supports promoters who encourage game shooting participation here.
Game shooting is one of a number of special interest activities promoted by Bord Fáilte because of its potential to generate increased tourist traffic to Ireland. Visitors coming on shooting holidays represent one of the more lucrative segments of the international tourism market, spending an estimated £4.5 million in the Irish economy in 1989, and something in excess of that figure this year.
This business is almost wholly off-peak enabling many rural based accommodation providers in particular to extend their tourist season and sustain employment.
In promoting game shooting Bord Fáilte lay particular stress on the limited nature of facilities available, the laws in this area, and the need to observe local shooting customs and etiquette. Last year some 4,000 shotgun certificates were issued to visiting hunters. There are currently some 90,000 licensed shotguns held by native hunters and a further 60,000 farmers have limited shotgun licences.
