Ray Burke
Ceist:96 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his estimation of the growth in tourism and trade between both parts of the island arising from the opportunity provided by the peace process. [555/94]
Written Answers. - Tourism Growth.
It is still too early to quantify the full benefits of the peace process. However, there is no doubt that the peace process provides the tourism industry, North and South, with a major opportunity to increase tourism business to the island of Ireland. The violence in Northern Ireland has been a serious deterrent to potential visitors since 1969 and removal of the threat of violence should have positive results on tourism performance in future years.
I also believe that cross-Border trade and business development activities increase the overall level of business on both sides of the Border, with consequent economic enhancement and the creation of new business and new jobs. I believe that it will provide an excellent opportunity to capitalise on the joint promotional and trade development activities we have been involved in for several years.