Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In regard to what Deputy Gilmore said, efforts have been made to get weapons in from outside for these groups. Obviously, the Garda works with Interpol and other international agencies to try to deal with that threat and there have been some successes in that area in the past.

I have seen reports but I understand from the Garda Commissioner that there is not this cross connection between drugs-gun gangs and these factions and that, in the main, they operate separately and for different purposes. Again, I have seen reports of that but based on the Garda Commissioner's views, I do not believe it is an accurate assessment of the situation.

On the issue raised by Deputy Kenny, I believe what the Minister for Finance referred to was that having increased VAT by 0.5%, two weeks later the British Government brought down VAT. Its budget came some weeks after his own but he was not suggesting that, in itself, was the reason for the differential. We all know the exchange rate is the issue. Unfortunately, that is something which is not within our control. We have seen the devaluation of the exchange rate vis-À-vis sterling over the past four months of anything up to 25% to 30%. That is a real issue.

On the question of tourism, I agree we must use every opportunity we can to promote the country. Many millions of people will come to our shores this year despite it being a difficult one. I spoke to some tour operators in New York when I was there for St. Patrick's weekend and while obviously the demand is down, it is still reasonably good despite the bad year. They are working away and hope they will provide some tourists for the country this year. Many people are still coming, although fewer than last year and the year before. In historical terms, it is still a fair performance given the times in which we are living.

On the Irish Open, efforts are being made to see if it is possible to hold it in venues North and South in consecutive years. Those ideas are being worked on. As Deputy Kenny said, the golfing ambassadorship issue of Mr. Harrington and Mr. McIlroy would not go astray either.

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