Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join the Chairman in welcoming Mr. Maguire. I know from reading material over the years that he has been active in promoting this country in areas in which there has been potential for increased trade. The Chairman referred to the Moroccan ambassador, whom I have got to know during the past few years. He has been very active in this country. I had some interaction with him during the term of the previous Government regarding the equestrian area. We met groups that were over here at the time. Mr. Maguire referred to tourism and the fact that a delegation from Saudi Arabia was not met by either officials from the Department or those from Tourism Ireland. That is not acceptable in any day and age. Irrespective of whether we are in good times or in the midst of a recession, people deserve to be met. Irrespective of whatever can arise from such meetings, it is important that such people are met.

Mr. Maguire mentioned that we have three ambassadors covering the Middle East region. I agree wholeheartedly with him that our diplomatic network has done us proud as a country over the years. Our diplomats, ambassadors and support staff punch above the weight of the country in providing public representatives and officials on trade missions with access to decision makers in those countries. I am sure the Tánaiste and his Department would love to have a greater network of embassies and consulates, but that is not easy in the current circumstances.

There could be a reduction in numbers in some parts of the public administration and those concerned could be used to enlarge the trade and diplomatic network. This is essential. I note that there were exchanges between the Tánaiste, Deputy Crowe and me during Question Time in the Dáil on Africa and the potential for trade there. There are many new regions with potential for trade and the diplomatic network must be enhanced with additional personnel from within the existing public service numbers. This could and should be done and while it would not be a simple matter, this area requires additional capacity in personnel.

In response to Mr. Maguire, I am not particularly concerned about where Irish people go on holidays. As I would prefer them to stay at home in Ireland, I will not encourage them to go to any other part of the world. My preference is for them to stay within the Thirty-two Counties and, were they to travel to stay in the south of Ulster, all the better.

In what areas in particular does Mr. Maguire discern an immediate potential for increased trade and for the sale of products to the Arab region? Do particular areas stand out in which Ireland has the capacity and the right product to sell to potential new markets in that region? I again compliment Mr. Maguire on his work, which, as he noted, goes back to 1972. Over the years, he has involved members of the political process in visiting the region in delegations and so on and his work in that regard is to be admired and complimented.