Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister concerned that according to recent figures, the US market seems to have decreased and the trend of bed night losses in the west seems to be continuing? In that context, the ITIC report specifically mentioned business tourism. At present, one does not pay VAT when one attends a business conference in Northern Ireland. However, one does so in the Republic of Ireland. Will the Minister entertain proposals put forward by the industry for a VAT refund for business tourists who come here? It is a lucrative market and we do not fully capitalise on it.

Regarding the soft loan proposal, a large number of our tourism products have gone stale. They need upgrading and to be made more interesting, and they require the use of modern technology. Many of them were put in place in the 1980s and 1990s when we did not have the same methods of presenting products and holding exhibitions. Those centres need a grant scheme and they may also need a loan scheme. It should seriously be considered. In 2004 the west coast region had 3.2 million or 3.3 million fewer holiday bed nights than in 1999. How will that be addressed?

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