Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman for his remarks. The achievement in tourism is phenomenal considering the drop in the currency in the UK as a result of Brexit and the fact that the number of visitors from Britain has increased this year despite the fact that we have suffered so much in the context of currency movements. That is due to a large number of factors. Tourism worldwide is increasing but there have been some very effective marketing campaigns by both Stage agencies. Tourism is flourishing. The problems with tourism are the problems of success including not having a sufficient number of hotel bedrooms and other accommodation to meet the need of the demand of the people coming here. However, we anticipate that the money being given will be spent wisely, not just in diversification but also in defending the British market, and the signs so far are that that is happening. We anticipate a great deal of further success in the tourism industry this year and next year.

On the 13.5% VAT rate, it was a disappointment but we do not anticipate that it will result in some sort of permanent downward movement in the tourism industry because of the €35 million that has been granted to give incentives and promote marketing by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. We believe that will be sufficient to keep the tourism numbers at a very healthy level.

There will be supports for the regions. The Acting Chairman will be aware that in his own region, the Hidden Heartlands is something to which the tourism industry and the Government are fully committed. We anticipate that will increase in the coming years. It is the last geographical branding the country has and means the entire country is now covered by a message which has been a very successful strategy by the tourist agencies and by the Department. The supports, if necessary, will certainly be put in place. That is the reason the money is being provided, namely, to give incentives and make life more successful for those who may suffer from the difficulties Brexit produces for the tourism industry, but the current signs are that we will be able to fight it successfully.