Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is lovely to see Mr. Gibbons here. I have met with him a couple of times. I commend the work being done by Tourism Ireland. I can see that Mr. Gibbons loves the work he does. He is very passionate about it and is doing a great job. It must be lovely to go abroad and sell such a beautiful product. The island of Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and Mr. Gibbons's job is to go out there and sell it. I agree with some comments made by my colleagues. Deputy O'Sullivan spoke about hotel prices and about islands. They slag me here because I brought them all up to Rathlin Island, where we had a great time. It is a great idea to bring the Wild Atlantic Way up north, across to Derry, and across to Cushendall and Cushendun, which is one of the most beautiful parts of this country. My father is from Rathlin Island and it is stunning. It often saddens me when I go to Rathlin Island, which is about three or four times a year, and I do not see signs for the island. I am starting to see the signs now in Ballycastle. It is so beautiful even for day trips to walk the island. It really is heaven. I am aware that I might be pitching it a little bit but it is the reality. Rathlin Island is the largest island in the six counties so it should be getting that little bit more. It is only now that Rathlin Island's beauty is starting to come to the fore.

I commend Tourism Ireland on the great job is doing. I feel bad that I was not aware that Tourism Ireland is an all-island initiative. This is fantastic. We should take this model and use it for other things that are going on because obviously it is working. I thank Tourism Ireland and I thank Mr. Gibbons for the great presentation today.