Cash-strapped tourist victims group demands help from Dublin's hoteliers

The Tourist Victim Support service in Dublin has called on the hospitality industry to fork out cash to help tourists who have been robbed.

The voluntary service provides accommodation, food, clothing, telephones and other facilities to tourists who have been the victims of crime. But last year it operated at a £12,000 loss.

Trasy Doran, co-ordinator of Tourist Victim Support, said: "People that earn a lot from the tourism business could give a bit more. Individual hotels give odd amounts, but not consistently."

The Irish Tourist Board provides £15,000 of the annual budget of £35,000. The balance is found through fund-raising.

However, John Power of the Irish Hotel Federation replied: "Where there are problems, our members assist by providing accommodation. That is what is appropriate for us. We do help out anybody who is in difficulties."