The voluntary group which helps tourists who have been robbed or assaulted while on holiday here has criticised some tourism and commercial interests for failing to help finance its operations.
The Tourist Victim Support Service, which helps tourists who have been referred to it by the Gardai, has a £12,000 shortfall in its budget this year.
Its chairman, Mr Derek Nally, who was a candidate in last year's presidential election, yesterday appealed to the licensed and hotel trade, especially in Dublin, to provide some support for the service.
Speaking at its fifth annual conference at Dublin Garda Headquarters, Mr Nally said it was sad to see such little support for the service from a private sector which benefited so greatly from tourism.
So far this year the service has helped 120 tourists who have been mugged or assaulted in Dublin. The service provides the tourists with assistance from an office in Garda headquarters in Harcourt Street. It provides accommodation, vouchers for food or clothing, telephones and other facilities.
Last year the service helped 772 people. It has established a unit in Cork and is training workers in other tourist centres. It runs on a Government grant of £15,000 and donations from businesses.
In his address, Mr Nally said: "We read that the success of tourism in Dublin has been a significant contributor to our buoyant economy. The people who benefit include retail outlets, pubs, entertainment venues, computer suppliers and banks as well as hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, carriers and others.
"When you consider the value the service provides, it is sad that not all the private sector involved in tourism are as supportive as they should be."
He appealed to all organisations which benefit from tourism to acknowledge the value of the service. "As we commence the fifth season of Tourist Victim Support Service, I appeal to all organisations involved in the tourist business to consider the valuable contribution made by the service to their businesses and to the country as a whole. The service can only be provided with adequate support from the industry."