Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:2 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he has any plans to publish a tourist charter setting out the rights and obligations of tourists visiting Ireland.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Charter.
As I informed the House on 2 March last the position regarding the rights and obligations of tourists is evolving on an ongoing basis, particularly in an international context given tourism's growing status as an internationally traded service.
In addition to benefits from advances made under consumer legislation in recent years, the position of the tourist will be further clarified and strengthened with implementation later this year by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, of the EC Directive on Package Travel. This will offer the tourist greater protection against non-performance of contract for package holidays incorporating transport, accommodation etc.
Would the Minister agree that there is a case for having a charter of tourist rights? Recently the Minister for Health published a similar charter in respect of hospital patients. Would the Minister agree that people visiting this country should be afforded proper protection against crime which is rampant on our streets? Prices advertised in respect of Ireland in brochures do not reflect true prices. Would the Minister not agree that tourists to Ireland should be entitled to know the true prices? Would he also agree that they should be entitled to the car model they have been promised and should be provided with information regarding traffic regulations?
Deputy Deenihan's question asks if I intend establishing a charter setting out the rights and obligations of tourists. There have been continuing advances in consumer legislation in recent years and I do not consider there is a need to establish a charter setting out the rights and obligations of tourists. Irish and international consumers are well informed of their legal rights and obligations in a wide variety of areas. People have become aware of their rights in so many areas now that I do not believe they are lacking in knowledge in this regard. Bord Fáilte, through its offices and the RTOs, monitor complaints from tourists. There is a later question by Deputy Deenihan in regard to that issue. The number of complaints made, bearing in mind the total number of tourists who visit Ireland, is very small.
If I felt a particular charter was necessary I would consider the matter further. However, I do not believe it is necessary at present. The EC Directive on package travel which my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, Deputy Cowen, will introduce later in the year will address some of the concerns outlined by Deputy Deenihan.
Is the Minister implying that he is rejecting all forms of supervisory activity in the tourist industry? Does the Minister agree that in order to ensure standards are observed in the Irish tourist industry we must have such a charter? I am referring to visitors to this country, not Irish people travelling abroad.
I will endeavour to ensure, through Bord Fáilte, that there is a certain standard in all sectors of the tourist industry. Deputy Deenihan is correct in this regard. In the interests of those who make their living from the tourist industry we must ensure that the highest standards obtain and that tourists get the product he or she has paid for. Judging by the level of complaints received by Bord Fáilte, I do not believe there is a need to consider a charter.