John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

As the Leas-Cheann Comhairle pointed out, it is not possible for me to express a view on behalf of the Minister for Finance whose remit it is to introduce next year's budget to the House in December. However, in the context of value for money it is important to point out that there are very good packages on offer in regard to access and accommodation, or both. As Deputy Deenihan stated, the price of food and drink remains a cause for concern. In that context, I welcome the initiative of the Irish restaurants association which has again this year produced a value for money menu for visitors to the country. It was spectacularly successful last year and will be very successful again this year.

The basic starting point in advancing any new strategy for tourism is to place it in the clear context of the value and strategic importance of the tourism sector to national and regional economic development and wealth creation, as identified in the report of the review group. I welcome that in his most recent budget, the Minister for Finance took account of submissions made on behalf of the industry. He has in the past been responsive to such submissions made by the industry and will continue to be. It should be remembered that the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, served with distinction as Minister for Tourism.

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