John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Cawley. He is obviously determined to bring the same energy to this job as he did to others down the years. I have a few quick questions to ask before I hand over to Senator Mooney, who I understand is deputising for Deputy Dooley, because I know everyone is under time constraints. What has Fáilte Ireland done well in respect of marketing? Obviously, Mr. Cawley referred to The Gathering as one thing. Are there things it could have done better?

I welcome the fact that Mr. Cawley mentioned the key role of regional airports, given that Ireland West Airport Knock is in my backyard and the importance of that. At times, those involved with this airport have felt that the region was not being targeted sufficiently and that the marketing was more global and encouraged people to come to Ireland rather than to a particular region.

Mr. Cawley mentioned improved competitiveness, which is very welcome. We are facing into the concert season soon. Garth Brooks is filling all the bedrooms around Dublin and Leinster and I am sure they will be at a premium price. Is there any way of ensuring that tourists are not ripped off on big occasions such as that?