Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister. Utter frustration prompted my question because I have no doubt, nor do I have reason to doubt, that what the Minister stated is true. As far as the Dáil is concerned, however, the reality is that no matter what question is raised in respect of tourism, the reply is that the Minister has no responsibility to the Dáil for the matter or it does not fall under his remit. I am sure the Minister accepts that tourism is not a one-sector issue and that it cuts across many areas. Questions on matters involved in tourism directly must be answered on the floor of the Dáil. For example, why was the pre-clearance facility at Shannon Airport refused? Surely, there is no more important question or area of potential for tourism than the achievement of the facility. I am not asking the Minister to be accountable to the Dáil for what other Ministers may be directly accountable, but I expect him to report to the Dáil.

Will the Minister consider answering questions like those on, for example, the future autonomy of the airports, the percentage for arts schemes and everything that crosses from his Department into others and that is crucial to the delivery of his Department's remit?

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