Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Senator may be more au fait than I with regard to the legal aspects of the matter. I am informed that at present it is not possible to hold a "preferendum" and that a referendum is the accepted model. However, the position can be clarified at a later stage.

Senator Conway referred to the astronomical increase in the prices charged for hotel rooms when major events, concerts, etc., are taking place. This is a certainly a cause for concern at a time when we are trying to build up the tourism industry and encourage more people to come here. The Irish Hotels Federation and the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport should intervene in respect of this issue.