Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree that any particular part of the country is being ignored when it comes to spending on tourism. Tourism Ireland's marketing strategy is such that it markets the entire island of Ireland as a destination for tourists, which has clearly benefitted every part of the country. However, the dynamic of the regional tourism boards certainly comes into play and it is obvious that very good people are working in some boards, while in others, the people are not as good, are not able to develop the product as well as they could and should and do not seem to have the same commitment as others.

Tourism numbers exceeded 8 million last year. I do not believe we will see a massive downturn this year because, as I have said already, the first quarter of this year shows growth of 4.5%. While I do not expect that growth to be maintained throughout the year, I hope we will be able at least to sustain the levels of last year. Whether the time spent in the country by tourists is the same remains to be seen and any changes in that regard will have revenue implications.

Clearly, the tourism horizons programme that was laid out for the development of tourism has worked extremely well for the entire island. There has been enormous growth in tourism development in all parts of the country. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are in constant contact with the regional tourism boards regarding developing tourism products and the Department has provided funding, through various agencies, for investment in tourism products. We must continue to develop our tourism products to be attractive and we must also be imaginative in such development.

I do not have specific information on signage to hand but if the Deputy tables a parliamentary question, I will obtain the relevant data. I know from my time in the Department of Transport that there was a big effort made and considerable funding was provided through the NRA to local authorities for signage improvements generally. I am not aware that my Department has specific resources at its disposal for signage but I urge the Deputy to table a parliamentary question, which I will endeavour to answer. It is through the local authorities, the Department of Transport and the NRA that the bulk of the budget for signage is delivered.

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