Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

This year will be challenging for the Irish tourism industry, particularly given the situation regarding currency markets and oil prices. I do not think we should hide behind this, however, as to do so would be unfair to the fine Irish tourism industry. The new Northern Ireland Executive together with Tourism Ireland, which is more determined than ever and has an increased budget, will provide a fine opportunity to develop tourism on an all-island basis. What is good for the northern part of the island will also be good for the southern part. I met representatives of Tourism Ireland and expressed the wish that a fresh approach be taken to expanding the industry with an all-island view. I suggested we should not simply sit back because prices have risen, though I agree with Deputy Mitchell that the country must be wary of prices or market share will suffer. We learned that lesson previously and we should not learn it the hard way again.

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