Mr. Padraig Cribben:

The Chairman asked how the pub sector sees itself playing an increased role in tourism. The Irish Hotels Federation's contribution outlined all the areas in which it is involved with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

In effect, the pub sector is involved in none of these areas. There seems to have been a conscious decision to exclude the pub trade from involvement at policy-making level, etc., in the tourism sector. This probably flies in the face of what tourists are saying they want, as outlined by Mr. O'Keeffe in his initial remarks. Consider the example of the Wild Atlantic Way which in its first year has been a phenomenal success and the potential of which can only grow. Most of what we learned about it, in terms of the concept and its development, was learned from the press. As an organisation which represents most of the actual service providers along the way, DIGI believes this is certainly not right. We have raised the issue with the relevant Ministers and bodies but with relatively little success. In order to play a more active role, there needs to be involvement at the concept and development stages. Those travelling from Malin Head along the west coast will note that many areas are relatively underpopulated and remote. In many of these places the only infrastructure is the pub, be it for toilet facilities, food or entertainment.

The second question I was asked was how the ending of the sponsorship of festivals would affect the local community and local trade. The figures probably answer that question best. As outlined by Mr. O'Keeffe in his opening remarks, the figures show that 40% of events sponsorship stems from local sources. Some 50% of that 40% comes from the broader drinks industry, be it local pubs, restaurants, hotels, breweries or distilleries. That is 20% one would lose straightaway. There is no doubt that if sponsorship was to end, some festivals would just disappear. I cannot say how many, but the local communities and economy would be particularly devastated. In many cases, those involved in the pub trade take in a multiple of their normal earnings during a festival. I spoke to an individual who said that in a festival over the Hallowe'en bank holiday weekend, he had taken in the equivalent of ten weeks trading income. It was a substantial festival. If it were to disappear, he would lose the equivalent of ten weeks trading income, which would mean a drop of approximately 20% in his annual income. If the lifeline is taken from many festivals, they will disappear. It would probably mean the end of many businesses also because their mainstay during the year is the local festival.