Vol. 541 No. 3
39 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if provision is being made to compensate hoteliers who lost money as a result of the national day of mourning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21957/01]
The Government designated Friday, 14 September 2001 as a day of national mourning for the victims of the appalling attacks in the United States of America, which has resulted in such horrific loss of life.
The Government was appreciative of the positive manner in which employers and workers observed the spirit of the day. It was a genuine gesture of national out-pouring in solidarity with the American people. When my colleague, Deputy Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, was in the US last week, he met with the US Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell, who warmly thanked and paid a special tribute to the Irish people for their solidarity after the attacks on September 11.
In the circumstances, I think the Deputy will agree that it is inappropriate to raise the question of compensation.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 8.
