Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate all involved in The Gathering. We have seen what has happened throughout our country and the number of people from the diaspora who have returned and will return during the rest of the year. I see it as a magnet for future tourism. People who have come to this country perhaps for the first time or people coming back will leave and spread the good news about what we have to offer. We do not have the sun and the sand, but we have the sea. As has been said, we also have our heritage, culture, uniqueness, people and our song. We have a great deal to offer the discerning visitor to our country, so I congratulate all concerned.

I also pay tribute to the community and voluntary organisations throughout the country who have played a significant part. Without their contribution we might not have been as successful in organising events and so forth.