Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute this evening and I thank Deputy Upton for placing tourism at the centre of the debate. Often in recent months and years, we have spoken in the House about global economic difficulties. Every aspect of Irish life has suffered as a result of the worst recession ever to hit the country. The tourism industry is no exception. The situation has not been helped by adverse exchange rates. However, the decision of the UK Government to increase its VAT rates will go some way to boosting tourism, especially in my constituency, which is made up of Border counties.

As a country, we have much to offer, including untapped potential. Many factors affect our tourist industry, some of which are outside our control. Mention has been made this year of volcanic ash. Who could have predicted the disastrous consequences which resulted from it? It has had a negative impact on the number of visitors travelling to the island of Ireland this year. I was horrified when I heard some of the stories in the media about people who took the view they were charged exorbitant rates by some people who were out to make money at their expense because they were stranded here.

The other side is that this has had the advantage of encouraging the Irish people to holiday at home, which many are choosing to do. Through its youth wing, my party is actively promoting a "holiday at home" campaign. There is significant interest in this area. People are referring to taking a "staycation" instead of a vacation. Whether times are bad, people still like to take a holiday. Such people may take a reduced holiday such as a mid-week or weekend break rather than going to the sun.

The most important thing for people holidaying at home and for visiting foreigners is value for money. People want to believe they are getting value for money. I commend those in the hotel and catering industry who are offering good deals. However, some people continue to charge exorbitant rates. I trust they will follow the example of the others because they cannot afford to price themselves out of the market. People have no wish to be ripped off. If this takes place not only will such people not return, but they will tell their friends all about it and the chances are they will not come either. Such people will probably do this through such programmes as "Liveline" and so on. It is very important such damage does not occur. Providers must be conscious of the need to give value for money.

This year we have been fortunate with good weather. Let us hope it continues. However, Irish people do not and cannot depend on good weather to boost tourism revenue. If the weather is good, it is a bonus.

In this country, among the most important tourist attractions are our festivals. They are an important source of revenue and they boost the numbers visiting the country. This year in my constituency we will have the honour of hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August in Cavan. This will certainly boost visitor numbers. It will also boost the local economy while allowing participants from throughout the country to showcase their talents in the promotion of traditional music. I look forward to this event very much.

Many other successful festivals have been held in Monaghan in recent times, including the Feile Oriel. On a bank holiday weekend in Castleblaney a delegation from Germany came to visit. A delegation from France came to Ballybay and Castleblaney. The Flat Lakes festival was held in Clones. Other festivals in Monaghan include Mucko Mania Festival, the Kavanagh weekend and the blues festival. We are proactive in promoting our own area. We encourage people to come and, like the Minister, I commend the volunteers for their selfless dedication and commitment. Other counties are doing likewise. We have not always successfully broadcast our message but we must recognise the strenuous efforts made by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland in promoting our regions through their ongoing global marketing campaigns.

For many years we have advocated the need for a convention centre in Dublin. I welcome the fact that it will be opened soon. It will give a great boost to business and conference tourism in the future and there is great potential to capitalise on this. The centre is not open yet but already, some 39 international events have been secured. This is heartening and through our reputation we can secure a good deal more. It is important to encourage the marketing of business tourism to ensure we attract more international conferences.

In her speech, the Minister referred to Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium. During the summer months, we provide a feast of sport. I must confess that recently I attended the Westlife concert in Croke Park with my ten year old daughter. On the way out, I met a steward and I said to him that I hope that was not the only time I would be in Croke Park this summer. He asked me which country I was from. I said I was from Monaghan. He suggested I take a good look at the place because he figured it would be the only time I would see it this year. If we continue to go the way we are going, I expect and hope to prove him wrong.

This year will continue to be a challenging year for the tourist industry, as were 2008 and 2009. Many of my constituents in the industry are experiencing great difficulties in accessing credit. In some cases, very small overdraft facilities are being pulled without even an interview or without speaking to the people involved. I have recommended such people go through the credit review appeals process because I believe they have been unfairly dealt with and I expect their appeals would be successful.

The Minister referred to the fact that she intends to visit certain countries. The media and the public frown when they hear of politicians going abroad. However, it is important that we use every available opportunity to sell Ireland as a tourist destination. Who better than the Minister to assist in the promotion of Ireland? I wish her well as she does this on her travels.

I am heartened by the bed and breakfast revitalisation programme.

Many people love to visit our bed and breakfast establishments. They find them homely and intimate and the care and attention they get is very important to them. For many years, bed and breakfast businesses were the Cinderella of the industry and I welcome the initiative.

I see the glass half full and not half empty. Our tourism industry is resilient. Those involved have always had a can do-must do approach which is never more obvious than when things are tough. Like many businesses, when we emerge from this recession, our tourism industry will have bounced back based on improved competitiveness, better supports from State agencies and a positive marketing campaign.

As Members of a Government party working with the Minister, we will all play our part to ensure we increase the potential, in particular in our own areas. I, for one, am committed to doing that and am pleased to support the amendment to the motion.

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