John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We have heard three very provocative and articulate presentations and I thank all the witnesses. Before I go to members I wish to ask some questions. The theme of online marketing and promotion ran through the three presentations. Mr. Hynes and Ms Grehan mentioned mayo.ie. Online marketing and promoting of the county has been very good and is increasing the numbers arriving. How do they see this promotion evolving? How will they continue to increase numbers coming to the county? What is the cost of the promotion and the website? They also mentioned Ireland West Airport Knock, which is something in which I have great interest.

You mentioned that it has helped. How can you see it continuing to play a role in the future?

Mr. O'Hara, perhaps you could tell us again about the idea of web promotion. That seems to be where it is at. How has it benefitted your company? You said that The Gathering was great. How many people are working for you and how has that developed? What do you see as following on from The Gathering that will help you in Leitrim? You also spoke about funding, the red tape associated with it and the way it should be done. What has your experience been until now and what has been the experience of people like you in the industry?

Mr. Casey, your presentation was certainly thought provoking. You suggest that the marketing of tourism in this country is not up to standard and that it is ineffectual. The development of Tourism Ireland, as distinct from Fáilte Ireland, was as a result of the peace agreement. Are you suggesting that there is duplication? You mentioned that there needs to be more volunteers. Are you suggesting that the many people who have jobs at the moment would effectively be sacked? How would this deal with the jobs situation? You also spoke about the cost base of the chief executives and so on. Perhaps you could expand your comments on that. You highlighted the problems with tourism marketing, but what is your solution?