asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has any plans to encourage hoteliers to upgrade the standards in the hotel industry.

Hoteliers are at present being encouraged to upgrade the standard of their product. The bedroom improvement grant scheme operated by Bord Fáilte is designed to encourage the addition of bathrooms to hotel bedrooms that do not already have this facility. Fixed interest loan finance is also available from ICC for the upgrading of hotel premises.

Additionally, recent decisions by the Government both in the areas of taxation and funding of Bord Fáilte, should further encourage hoteliers to invest in the improvement of their product.

In a debate which took place here about 18 months ago, the Minister of State promised that a refurbishing grant system would be made available within six months to deal with improvements for hotel premises. Does the Minister remember that promise and, if so, will he now tell the House when he will get around to fulfilling it?

No promises were made regarding the introduction of any scheme. It was indicated at the time that the matter was under consideration.

If it was actively under consideration and if the Minister gave his commitment to it at that time, perhaps the Minister of State might look to his right to seek a nod from the Minister, Deputy Bruton, that this refurbishing grant will be made available, because everybody knows that the standard of hotel premises is in serious jeopardy and that there is a definite need for plant renovation and a refurbishing system.

The industry has got a new enthusiasm following taxation changes in the budget, promotion and marketing. There are no proposals at this stage for the introduction of renewal and repair grants. The industry are responding adequately to keeping their plant in good condition and in raising hotel premises to a high standard. The ambition is to restore profitability and our policies are aimed in that direction. The current increase in the tourist industry clearly demonstrates that our policies are paying off and that profitability will be restored.

They are having their best season in years.

The Minister has reneged on a solemn promise which he gave to the House. Will he now accept that over half the hotels registered with the Irish Hotels Federation last year lost money? It is nonsense to suggest that from their increased profitability they can do anything to improve the standard of their premises and the Minister should not try to placate the public by that kind of statement.

We are having the best tourist season in years. Hotels are bursting at the seams.

The few that remain open are filled because half of them have closed down, permanently or temporarily.