Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

Without engaging in party politics, I must state my party and I welcome the steps the Minister has been taking to deal with some of the key barriers to tourism. Some of the positive developments in the tourism sector over recent years testify to his work. However, in leaner times, given the rise in oil prices and the fact that other cheaper destinations are beginning to market their unique selling points more aggressively, we can no longer afford to rest on our laurels and we need to do a little extra.

What will the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, as opposed to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, do about the policy vacuum in respect of access to the countryside, given that there has been a consistent decline in those taking walking holidays? This is a key area.

Concerns have been expressed about a lack of proper product development and innovation and also about the regional spread of tourism. I am still concerned that the midlands and south east are not getting the same crack of the whip as the western region.

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