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.