Vol. 440 No. 7
225 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress that has been made to address the difficulties tourists were experiencing with regard to crime in recent times and to prevent such re-occurrence to our tourists in 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As you are aware, my colleague the Minister for Justice has responsibility for addressing the problem of crime, including crime against tourists. However, as Minister for Tourism I am naturally concerned about this issue.
As the Minister for Justice indicated recently in this House there is close liaison and co-operation between the Garda authorities, Bord Fáilte and other tourism interests on this issue. "Take Care" leaflets in four languages are circulated widely, through tourist offices, hotels, car rental companies etc. and verbal "take care" messages are also given to customers by accommodation providers.
In addition, the topic is covered extensively in Garda in-service training courses. Gardaí are encouraged to avail themselves of language training courses and the Garda Office in O'Connell Street serves as a centre for advising tourists to Dublin.
