Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Upton for her good wishes and I look forward to working with her.

The real point is when are we going to implement the recommendations set out in the survival and the recovery actions. As I outlined earlier, some have been already implemented by the important agencies, such as Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, which have the responsibility for delivering them.

Some of the recommendations, however, are dependent on other Departments. The air tax issue, for example, falls under the remit of the Department of Finance. As was debated last week on Private Member's business, from a tourism perspective one could argue it may be damaging to the sector. Yet from an overall Government policy and the Department of Finance's view, it is seen as bringing in €125 million. It is difficult to know from what source a similar amount would come if the tax were dropped.

At this stage I have not decided if we need an implementation group, who should be on it or how it should be done. I am anxious to press on with the recommendations. If having a group will ensure that will happen more effectively, then I am open to considering its establishment. I certainly will be taking a lead role in driving these suggestions.

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