asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will outline his views on the contribution made by the Great Southern Hotels, in co-operation with CERT, to the development of Irish tourism standards generally; and if he has any proposals to improve that contribution.

The standard of the six hotels which make up the Great Southern Hotels Group is reflected in the grading awarded to them by Bord Fáilte, who are the agency with statutory responsibility for hotel standards and gradings. Of the 15 Grade A * hotels listed by Bord Fáilte, three are members of the Great Southern Hotels Group and the other three hotels in the group are listed among the 109 Grade A hotels in the country.

I understand that two of the Great Southern Group's Grade A hotels which operate on a seasonal basis are used by CERT for training purposes during the winter months, a welcome and efficient use of valuable tourism plant.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, responsibility for CERT, under whose aegis Great Southern Hotels operate, rests with my colleague the Minister for Labour and any proposals for their future development would have to be directed to him in the first instance.

I accept what the Minister has said in that any questions in regard to the future of CERT should be directed to the Minister for Labour but can he tell us if in the course of discussions which the Government have had in relation to the disposal of the Great Southern Hotels group if the question of the continued participation by CERT in training courses was considered?

As I indicated in my reply, the usage by CERT of two of the Grade A hotels for training purposes during the winter months is very welcome and a very efficient use of those hotels.

While I share the Minister's sentiments in regard to the welcome use of the hotels during the off season can he tell us if the Government have considered the question of the continued usage by CERT of these facilities, irrespective of whether they change hands?

The fact is that the Minister for Labour has responsibility for CERT. I do not want to be discourteous to Deputy Spring but questions with regard to CERT should be directed to the Minister for Labour.

A Cheann Comhairle——

Deputy Michael Begley is offering.