Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

For the information of my colleague, Deputy Troy, when I first became a member of a local authority, our main function was the provision of waste collection and management, roads and housing. Now, one of our main pillars is tourism and economic development. We have changed our focus and work for the benefit of communities in County Cork.

Overall, I compliment the tourism organisations on the Wild Atlantic Way initiative. Ireland’s Ancient East is also a great idea. I am pleased the previous Government acknowledged the importance of extending the area further west into Cork, Limerick and parts of Tipperary. The change was welcome. As Deputy Troy stated, there is a perception that parts of the country are not being marketed, for example, the lake district, and I support him in his request in that regard.

Brexit is a big talking point. It is impacting already because the currency exchange rate is sliding the wrong way in terms of attracting investment inwards in terms of tourists. I am concerned in that regard. It is fine to say that people are being sent to market us abroad but does that mean we will have to bring down our costs in this country to attract more people to come here because of the exchange rate?

When is the announcement expected on whether this country has been successful in its bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023?