Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)

As most of the previous speakers have already covered the points I wish to make, I will not, if Members will excuse the pun, labour those points. I welcome the Bill, which has been introduced at a time when opportunities to create jobs in the traditional industrial and support services sectors are severely limited. I also welcome the opportunity to examine ways for the State to invest in a tangible, people-intensive industry such as tourism. Fáilte Ireland was established in 2003 as a result of the need to streamline and integrate the delivery of the range of State supports relating to tourism activities and to facilitate product marketing and development, human resource development and training within the tourism industry. I am delighted that recovery of our market share in Britain is a priority in the Bill.

We could not have bought the type of exposure across the globe that Ireland enjoyed during the recent visits of President Obama and Queen Elizabeth ll. Not only did these visits do a great deal for our image abroad, they also made people here feel good about themselves. In the light of the bad times we have endured in recent years, it was great that everyone was so upbeat during the week in which the visits took place. We were delighted to take part in what occurred earlier this year.

In the context of capital projects, Rothe House in Kilkenny is a particularly fine example of a tourism product and the staff who work there are very committed to delivering a really good service to the many people who visit the house. I know they welcome a large number of visitors.

Kilkenny is known as the cultural heart of Ireland. However, I have not forgotten indigenous tourism which also needs to attract investment if alternative options are to be offered to the people. We must make an attempt to offer real value in valley periods of the market, in the interests of our balance of payments and in the light of the need to encourage people to invest in jobs at home. I can think of many alternative outdoor pursuits in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, including boating and fishing on the natural asset that is the River Barrow. There is excellent mountaineering and the very best of eco-tourism in the area. We need to increase the appreciation of our beautiful counties of Carlow and Kilkenny. Given that it is full of arts and crafts and heritage interests, it is right that Kilkenny is regarded as the cultural heart of Ireland.

State investment through the Government, Leader and other partnership groups, locally and regionally promoted tourism interests and local authorities deserves to be acknowledged and encouraged. I would like to see a link between all of these in order that there is no overlap of resources. Those involved with the Leader programme, the remit of which centres on rural development but also extends to tourism, are doing extremely good work. I would like to see a link with them also. Their interests must be embedded in whatever emerges from the changes to the National Tourism Development Authority Act.

Food is becoming a huge attraction for tourists. The many small food festivals throughout the country are hugely important for the economies of small communities and villages. I would like Fáilte Ireland to provide grant aid for these small festivals, if possible. Those who organise these events obtain a substantial return from the limited amount of voluntary work and resources for which they look. Perhaps we can support, or continue to support, such festivals. It should not be very difficult for them to fill in the various returns. They are looking for small amounts of money, on which they will deliver significantly.

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