18 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to introduce grant aid for bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation for regions where there is a lack of such facilities. [9034/97]

38 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the policy initiatives, if any, he proposes taking to assist smaller tourism properties to be brought up to modern international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9357/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 38 together.

As I have indicated in response to previous similar questions, it has been policy for some time not to provide support for tourist accommodation projects, on the basis of the proven ability of the commercial accommodation sector to respond to growth in visitor numbers without grant assistance.