Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I congratulate him on his recent appointment. I also congratulate my colleague, Deputy Michael Kitt, on his appointment today as Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I wish both men the best of luck in their respective roles.

The Minister rightly said that the recent CSO figures show a reduction of more than 15% in the number of overseas visitors to this country in 2010 in comparison to 2009. Tourism worldwide has been deeply affected by the global economic difficulties and loss of consumer confidence. Tourism has hugely positive benefits for the economy in general and the local economy in Longford and Westmeath. Many other parts of the country can benefit from an increase in visitor numbers to the island. Last year, the Royal Canal in my constituency was opened up. One can now navigate from the Shannon to the Royal Canal and travel up through my constituency, which is a welcome development. This is the first summer people will have an opportunity to do that.

What strategy has the Government in place to attract more visitors from the UK from where, as the Minister indicated, our highest number of visitors come, although the number of visitors from there has fallen dramatically recently? In addition, what plans are in place to market this country in the United States, Germany and France? This country is still viewed as a high-cost destination despite the fact that our hotels offer some of the best value in Europe. How will the Minister try to change that perception?

See this speech in context