asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism when he proposes outlining his plans for tourism as indicated in the national plan Building on Reality, 1985-1987.

As the Deputy is aware Building on Reality, 1985-1987 identified the major factors which will determine the future development of the tourist industry. Since a number of these factors impinge upon areas the responsibility of other Ministers, it has been necessary to have detailed consultations before finalising proposals for the further development of the industry. This necessary preparatory work is now at an advanced stage and the Minister and I hope to be in a position to make a further statement in regard to the outcome of our work in the near future.

Would the Minister of State confirm that there exists in his Department at the moment an internal strategy document dealing with tourism? Will he make it available to the House at an early date?

Based on the broad outlines for the development of tourism as set out in Building on Reality, consultation has been engaged in with a number of Departments involved. When those consultations are concluded — as I have said, they are at an advanced state — the Minister and I will be making a statement on the policy.

Will the Minister indicate to the House if he intends to have consultations with the interests involved in so far as the extension of the licensing hours as promised in the national plan are concerned? Is he aware that nobody wants the pubs to be open until 1 a.m., and will he take notice of that?

The licensing laws for the licensed trade are a matter for the Minister for Justice, not for the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism.

12.

asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will consider establishing a working group representing all interests in the tourist industry to draw up proposals, not including additional State spending, which might stimulate the further development of the tourist industry in Ireland.

There are already in existence structures of the type mentioned by the Deputy representing all interests in the tourist industry.

The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation which was established last year represents the authoritative voice of private and public sector trading groupings within the Irish tourist industry; Bord Fáilte and CERT have observer status within this confederation.

In the short period since its inception, the confederation has made detailed submissions to Government on the further development of tourism which have included specific proposals on the main issues confronting the industry. The industry's views, as outlined by the confederation, have received serious consideration and will be taken fully into account in the formulation of policies affecting tourism.

The regional tourism organisations, operating under the aegis of Bord Fáilte, afford local and regional tourism interests the opportunity of submitting proposals on tourism development to Government. The views of regional interests are channelled through Bord Fáilte and contribute to the process of formulating development policies for the industry.

Is the Minister of State aware that the tourist industry is a major contributor to the balance of payments at the moment? Is he aware also that there is massive unemployment in this industry and would he confirm that the only proposal in the national plan to improve the tourist industry is the one regarding the lengthening of drinking hours which, as a response to the crisis in that industry must be a joke?

That is a long question.

In his question the Deputy requests that a working group be set up and my reply was directed to that request. There are a variety of groups representing all sectors of the industry and who have a voice in the formation of policy but if the Deputy considers that some section or agency are not adequately represented, I will have the matter examined.

I will allow a short supplementary from Deputy Wilson.

Will the Minister ensure that the group who are undertaking the study will have regard to the Six Counties situation when reaching final conclusions on policy?

Say yes, Minister.

Perhaps Deputy Wilson would repeat the question.

When putting his final proposals to the group, will the Minister ensure that the liaison with the Six Counties Tourist Board is strengthened and maintained in the interests of tourism in the whole Ulster region?

I am very anxious, as all previous Ministers have been, to keep in the closest possible contact with the Six Counties Tourist Organisation and to have as much co-operation as possible with them. Our ambition is to continue that situation.

The remaining Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.