Dear O'Hegarty,

[matter omitted]

With regard to the question of tourist development, you may recall that about four or five years ago the Minister for Industry and Commerce received deputations as a result of which the present Irish Tourist Association was born. Since then the Department of External Affairs has clearly understood, and has acted upon the assumption, that the Department of Industry and Commerce undertook all governmental responsibilities in connection with tourist matters. Our Representatives abroad have, of course, encouraged tourist traffic to Ireland, as far as has been possible.