Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I was disappointed that the Minister was not able to give us any information about the application for an adjacent hotel, because it seems to be quite important. In Irish weather conditions, if the conference centre is to attract 4,000 barristers, who are usually well upholstered, from various countries across the world, will it require them to walk long distances from the conference centre, however splendid the facilities there, to get to their hotels? This might be an impediment to its efficient working. I know the Minister does not have responsibility for tourism and I am not trying to put him on the spot, but his officials must surely have some view on this.

Meanwhile, we have 15,000 hotel rooms which are surplus to requirements. In my own constituency, three hotels have closed down. What is the current opinion on that issue? It is not unreasonable to suggest, bearing in mind typical Irish weather, that reasonable proximity to hotel accommodation, more or less commensurate with the state-of-the-art facilities available at the conference centre, could be an issue. Notwithstanding the Minister's narrow remit of ensuring a pint of Guinness is available, or more exotic drinks for some of the more exotic visitors, there must be some view about the necessity of a hotel.

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