Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the chairman of the tourism renewal group for the huge efforts he has made. He met the Deputies opposite and almost anybody who has anything to do with the industry. I will publish the group's report once I have presented it to the Government. Everybody will be then aware of its contents.

I do not agree with some of the Deputy's assessments. I have worked closely with the different elements involved in industry during the past 12 months and I have received positive feedback in respect of the efforts that have been made. For example, in an international context, we have had major success in respect of the joint marketing campaigns in which we engaged in the US with Tourism Ireland and airlines such as Delta, American, Continental and Aer Lingus. There is no doubt but that these campaigns helped turn around the season. In recent months there has been a tremendous resurgence in the tourism figures, which appeared to be going in a particular direction in the first quarter of the year. There are challenges with regard to the UK market, particularly in the context of the currency differential, etc. This is a matter of concern to me but we are placing a major emphasis on the UK market.

I do not accept that there is a lack of leadership. I have spoken to many of those in the industry who are working closely with us. We must be careful in our choice of language. There is no question that the position is extremely difficult. However, I would not refer to the industry as being completely in crisis. Such an assessment neither helpful nor true.

We must face up to the competition internationally and we can judge ourselves only on best practice. Based on the figures, it is clear we are outperforming the UK market quite substantially at present. However, that is not in any way to take away from the major challenge we face. We must continue our efforts to meet that challenge.

To conclude, I put together all the cultural groups because more than 3 million people are visiting on the cultural side. This has spun into other activities that have happened in recent days and demonstrates how important is cultural tourism.

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