Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

In recent years there have been far-reaching changes in the tourism industry, most of which were to reinforce our position in the marketplace and prepare us for the changes in the competitive nature of the business. Those changes also take account of the all-Ireland nature of tourism. Indeed, a number of successes have arisen from these changes, but one area requires attention. I refer to the role of bed and breakfasts. As we know, more than 40 years ago this concept of tourism was brought into Ireland with the idea that people could come and have the experience of the authentic Ireland, living with a family. The bed and breakfasts were very competitive and there was a great social interaction involved but recent figures would suggest that the number of people getting out of this business is alarmingly high at the moment, with several hundred if not more leaving it.

There are reasons for this. The visitor has different needs and there is increased competition from three-star hotels and so on. But it is important that we find some way in which to help the bed and breakfasts because they have a role to play. There are areas such as tax incentives, which have already been given to hotels in the past, and the licensing laws could perhaps be more flexible to help the bed and breakfasts. I am surprised that the alarm bells have not been ringing somewhat louder because anybody on the ground is clearly aware of the radical changes that are taking place for bed and breakfasts. I do not want to be a prophet of doom, but I would go as far as saying that, if we do not do something, in another four or five years the whole bed and breakfast aspect of tourism will be completely gone. It might be worthwhile to have the Minister in here to discuss this urgent matter that seems to have been played down up to this point.