Vol. 534 No. 5
209 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if, as a measure to support the home tourism industry in the context of the foot and mouth disease scare, and as a sup port measure to home holiday providers, he will consider offering retired and pensioned people subsidies towards holidaying at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11182/01]
In the context of the foot and mouth disease crisis, I have encouraged Irish people to consider holidaying at home this year. Domestic holidays are being backed by an intensive consumer and trade campaign undertaken by Bord Fáilte in conjunction with the regional tourism authorities and which is already under way.
To make holidays in Ireland more attractive to the domestic consumer, I have also suggested to the tourism industry that they make a range of packages available that are attractively priced. Such a range could include golden age packages targeted at retired and pensioned people, as suggested by the Deputy.
Bord Fáilte does not provide direct subsidies to holidaymakers. A measure along the lines proposed by the Deputy would require consideration by other Ministers such as the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs and the Minister for Finance.
