Mary Harney
Ceist:49 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the drop in net revenue from tourism and trade from £518 million in 1991 to £410 million in 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13421/96]
Written Answers. - Revenue from Tourism and Trade.
I assume that this question refers to the Tourism and Travel estimated earnings and expenditure figures published by the Central Statistics Office. The Deputy will be aware that Ireland's trade surplus has increased over the period from approximately £2 billion in 1991 to over £7 billion in 1995.
As regards tourism and travel, earnings from overseas visitors to Ireland have increased very substantially over the period 1991-95 from £1,217 million in 1991 to £1,677 million in 1995. This is one of the fastest growth rates in international tourism and makes Ireland one of the few countries in Northern Europe to enjoy a positive tourism and travel balance. Meanwhile Irish expenditure on foreign travel has also increased, particularly over the past two years, reflecting buoyancy in our economy, increasing prosperity and growing interest in visiting abroad.