John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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615. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or another Government agency monitors the often elevated prices for accommodation, food and drink at and around major events such as concerts and sporting fixtures, given the negative perception it can create among overseas visitors. [14343/16]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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​While neither my Department nor Fáilte Ireland has any function with regard to monitoring pricing for the services mentioned around major events, I do recognise that higher rates at times of high demand are a feature of competitive markets, including the accommodation market.  It is important to note that hotels must operate within the maximum rates set as part of the accommodation registration process and any customer who feels that they have been overcharged may make a complaint to Fáilte Ireland. 

While I welcome the improved viability of the tourism sector, not least because it is a large employer and a significant contributor to the economy, I would encourage the industry to make every effort to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.  If the industry does not continue to provide value for money, the growth it is now experiencing would be undermined.  I am also conscious of the need to address the capacity constraints within the accommodation sector which has witnessed low levels of investment over recent years.  Finally, I will be closely examining the recommendations of the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Accommodation Report.