Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Great Southern Hotels Group has had every opportunity over the past 20 years and support from various Governments to assist it. At a time when we have the highest number of tourists in the country, 6.5 million last year, the hotel group unfortunately lost between €7 million and €8 million. Accumulated losses amount to €40 million. The hotel at Dublin airport, which is coming under increasing opposition because of three new hotels that have opened in the area, needs capital to expand and develop. If we have a genuine interest, as I, Deputy Rabbitte and other Members of the House have, in trying to protect jobs in this group, it is by making——

See this speech in context