asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism whether he will direct Bord Fáilte to discourage or stop hotels charging service charges on activities where no service is provided, specifically service charges on bedroom occupation only.

Service charges were introduced to provide a more equitable basis for the distribution of tips among staff and the arrangement has been agreed between the trade unions and employers. Bedroom occupation is an important service to the hotel guest, which obviously requires the attention of the hotel staff, and I do not think it would be appropriate for me to intervene as the Deputy suggests.