Austin Deasy
Ceist:40 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the estimated losses to the tourism industry and the Irish economy in 1996, brought about by the cessation of the IRA ceasefire. [22068/96]
Other Questions. - Cessation of IRA Ceasefire.
Mr. O'Sullivan
Notwithstanding the cessation of the IRA ceasefire, visitor numbers have continued to grow, increasing in the first nine months of this year by over 11 per cent to 3,821,000. Growth in particular markets has been strong with visitor numbers from Britain up by almost 14 per cent, North America up by just under 12 per cent and Mainland Europe by over 7 per cent. Revenue for the first half of the year has increased by over 16 per cent over the same period in 1995 to £777 million. There is, therefore, every indication that 1996 will be yet another record-breaking year for Irish tourism.
In recent years Ireland has been one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Europe. This record growth predates the IRA ceasefire, continued throughout the period of the ceasefire and is still continuing today. It is difficult, if not impossible, to estimate whether some potential visitors have been deterred from travelling to Ireland by the ending of the IRA ceasefire. However, the tremendous growth already experienced this year indicates that consumers worldwide continue to be attracted to Ireland in ever-increasing numbers by our high quality tourism product.
I read a very negative article in a newspaper at the weekend after the launch of the Irish brand in which the point was made that there was a great danger for tourism here in linking with Northern Ireland Tourism. I disagree strongly with the author of the report. What are the Minister's views?
Mr. O'Sullivan
I am glad the Deputy takes the view he does. A preliminary Bord Fáilte report in July stated clearly that there was no visible decline in visitor numbers as a result of the incidents at Drumcree. These are matters about which we would be concerned.