Vol. 467 No. 4
12 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the effects, if any, the recent IRA killings and bombings have had on tourist numbers from Britain; the action, if any, he intends taking in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13635/96]
Inquiries to the Bord Fáilte London office dropped off by about 15 per cent and there was some slowdown in new bookings in the immediate aftermath of the recent bombing. However, this year's tourism season is performing strongly to date, in particular from Britain, and Bord Fáilte forecast about 4.7 million visitors by year end, including 2.5 million from Britain.
Bord Fáilte is, of course, continuing to closely monitor the situation in association with the key carriers, tour operators and product suppliers. Appropriate strategies to deal with situations such as this have already been considered by Bord Fáilte and the Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative who, notwithstanding the latest incidents, will continue to promote and sell Ireland as vigorously as possible on the British market.
I thank the Minister for his quick initiative in this regard. What happened in Adare and Manchester is a travesty in the name of Ireland, myself and those whom I represent. I hope such events do not influence British tourists who know the Minister, myself and others do not represent the IRA and its loathsome lot. I compliment the Minister on his efforts to indicate to the greater British public that we are a civilised race and that only a small minority are plugging away on behalf of some spiritual effort, as they see it. They do not represent the majority of Irish people and that message must be got across to the British public. I urge the Minister to continue his efforts in that regard, they are much appreciated.
I thank the Deputy for his comments. We all unreservedly condemn those who carried out the Manchester bombing and the tragic murder in Adare. Two calls were received by Bord Fáilte in Britain to cancel plans to holiday in Ireland. The majority of the British people know that such events relate to a very small section of the population on this island. The Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative and other agents will continue to vigorously promote Ireland as a friendly, welcoming and attractive location.
