Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy underlines the importance of the tourism industry, with almost 240,000 workers. If one takes a broad definition of hospitality it is arguably the largest employer in the State. It faces many challenges, including energy costs and wages. I have had many meetings with members of the industry. Remaining competitive is a major challenge for an industry of that size.

A new challenge is that more than one third of workers are non-national. The challenge is to ensure we have mature integration policies, particularly in tourism, which depends substantially on the work of those who come to stay with us as employees or tourists.

I share the Deputy's excitement about the industry, which has cost challenges and must try to win an increased share of the market. We must remember that tourists do not have to come to Ireland. The tourism industry is extremely competitive and people can travel to a myriad of places on family or business trips. Ireland must remain competitive and attractive. We must market what we have to offer.

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