Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It was a very impressive report and backed up with lots of statistics. On the issue of VAT and the price of hotels in Dublin, it is quite embarrassing to hear what they charge. I worry about where that increase will be seen. Mr. Gibbons speaks about promoting Ireland, but if we are pricing ourselves out of that, then it could be significant. From friends in the small restaurant business I am aware of the staff shortages they face. While that issue is not within the remit of Tourism Ireland, it all leads to the promotion of Ireland. Does Mr. Gibbons have the figures for those who move out of Dublin? Tourists do visit rural Ireland, despite what certain people say. Parts of rural Ireland are doing very well, and rightly so, because they are places of great beauty. I have a particular interest in the islands of Ireland. Apart from the Aran Islands, which have some of the literary aspects that draw people to them, there are other islands and I believe they have a particular beauty of their own. Some of these islands are really on their knees in terms of viability and sustainability. While I understand that it is about road connections, it did not make sense to me that the islands in the Atlantic Ocean were not included when the Wild Atlantic Way was promoted. I would ask the Mr. Gibbons to look at some promotion that is specific to the islands.