Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I have not heard any specific complaint in regard to translation services. In terms of European languages, we can always do better but the level of proficiency is generally quite good. Tourism Ireland has put a new location into the Middle East in order to develop the Middle East and Far East markets. If we are to be successful in that regard, we must be able to cater for people who speak the languages of those regions. I have no doubt we will be able to achieve that but we must first have the programmes in place. Notwithstanding the global downturn, we have already seen the positive results of airlines travelling from Ireland into the Middle East via Abu Dhabi. That is an indication of the potential for the future.

I agree with both Deputies that the visa issue is a very difficult one. We do not want to end up in a situation where we are largely servicing economic tourists who have no intention of leaving the country. On the other hand, we must equally acknowledge that there is a significant number of people from China and elsewhere who are legitimate tourists and are interested in experiencing the cultural aspects of Ireland at first hand.

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