Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy McLoughlin makes a good point. Everybody has his or her part to play in the recovery of the tourism industry. I send the message loudly and clearly to hoteliers, restaurateurs and anyone else involved in the tourism business that this is the year we bring people to Ireland, in particular for The Gathering. They will be our ambassadors when they go home. If they get ripped off here, we will not be able to do anything about what they say. There has never been better value in Ireland.

The hoteliers are playing their part and the restaurants are playing their part, and I hope they will continue to do so. There are sometimes complaints about hotels, but most hotels have 95% of their hotel rooms filled when an event is coming up. They may have a small capacity remaining and when they come to the end of their capacity they may increase prices. If there is a major event in Rome, Spain or any place, one will pay if one comes in looking for a bed at the last minute. To be fair to the restaurants and hotels, they are giving good value for money and doing a good job. There is plenty of competition and spare capacity, which is why everyone must compete.

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