Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if contact has been made with the various stakeholders regarding price increases in view of concerns regarding a Ryder Cup rip-off mounting; the outcome of these meetings; his views on whether a rip-off attitude will not prevail in the wake of the Ryder Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2504/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to the text of my detailed reply on this matter to Question No. 5 on 13 October 2005 and further reply to Question No. 27 on 17 November 2005.

I am aware of concerns being expressed by some about the risk of excessive prices being charged by certain elements of the Irish tourism and hospitality industry in the context of the Ryder Cup 2006. However, as I have previously indicated, the State tourism agencies are being particularly vigilant about the risk of excessive prices being charged in the context of this important event. In all of their dealings with the industry, they are taking the opportunity to encourage a commonsense approach to the pricing of our tourism products during the staging of the event. For my part, I will continue to raise this issue, as appropriate, in my regular contacts with the industry in the build up to the Ryder Cup.

The Deputy might also note that my Department wrote to the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs in early November 2005 requesting that a special initiative be undertaken around the time of the Ryder Cup to ensure that price lists in restaurants and public houses are displayed prominently, and has been informed that the appropriate checks will be carried out.