Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I commend Deputy Olivia Mitchell on putting this motion before the House. It is topical and timely as we now have a new Minister responsible for tourism. I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, and as her family was involved in the hotel business many years ago, I know she has a great interest in and feel for tourism. The first step she should take is to follow in the argument of her predecessor and former Minister, Martin Cullen, for the removal of the travel tax. It would be a great start for the Minister, not just because it would be of significant benefit but because of the direction in which it would send the tourism industry.

There is much potential in the tourism industry, with some 500,000 people in this country unemployed. The Government and all agencies are considering every way to get those people back to work and in my considered opinion, there are two areas where there has traditionally been significant employment in the past but which we have not looked after in the Celtic tiger years. They are agriculture and tourism.

Tonight is about tourism and the significant potential for job creation in that area. Many issues have been discussed tonight which are impediments to a tourism revival in this country. For example, we spoke about the lack of rental cars, which was created by the mismanagement of this Government. It put in place a scrappage scheme which had an effect on the supply of cars so the Government and its Cabinet must deal with the problem. It is one example that must be tackled.

We need to bring people into the country and make Ireland competitive again. Hotels are dropping rates and across the country deals are being made. The Government should be about leadership and it should cut the travel tax. It would not have a significant impact on the economy but it would send the message that the Irish Government is serious about bringing people into this country.

There is much investment hanging on a thread. How many golf courses, hotels and other private businesses are under severe pressure and living from day to day? If we could get more people into the country, it would help such businesses overcome their difficulties. There would be more people employed and there would be a buoyancy in the economy. It is one of the real ways in which Ireland can restore itself.

I beg the Minister to follow Martin Cullen's wish and go back to the Cabinet to try to change the travel tax measure. It is very important for the future of our country.

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