John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

Individual hoteliers decide of their own volition that they should make hay because the sun shines during certain periods of the year. Accordingly, a major event in a city or town can lead people to the conclusion that they should increase their prices beyond all recognition. This must be discouraged and condemned. People who take advantage of a special occasion or function undermine the efforts of State agencies to sell the country. It also gives encouragement to those who seek to establish that restrictive or unfair practices operate in the industry. I request all those who seek to take advantage of given occasions or functions to seriously consider the implications of their actions. People who decide to do this to the disadvantage of the customer undermine the business of which they are a part. Increasing prices to avail of a given opportunity is not a good medium or long-term strategy. There may be short-term gain but medium and long-term damage is certain.

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