Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)

I commend Deputy O'Sullivan, who as a non-government Member, spoke so favourably on this issue. It is not often one hears that on this side of the House. I thank the Deputy for her contribution.

This is essentially a housekeeping exercise which gives us an opportunity also to acknowledge what tourism means. Tourism, energy, agribusiness and micro-enterprise, TEAM, are the four pillars for the recovery of large chunks of this country. I agree with the proposal to increase the cap on capital expenditure. However, I do not believe it is the solution. We have the raw product which we must market to the essential areas. For example, Kerry Airport, which is being supported by the country, is a net contributor to the Exchequer and is vital to the promotion of tourism, yet there are 34.5 million people living within one hour's drive of airports which operate flights into Kerry Airport. We need a strategic marketing element that attracts people here. We have the product on many fronts. For instance, we have what is considered the activity based tourism mecca of Europe, namely, hill walking. It is the largest tourist activity in Europe. We have an abundance of hill walking sites but we need to invest a little capital to bring them up to the standard of hill walking sites in Austria, Sweden and other developed areas.

Tourism is now the largest industry in the world. For us to not compete and develop our product would be ridiculous at this point. The national agencies have dialled up and are doing a better job, but they are doing it in isolation. Trades, including hotels, restaurants and pubs, all have problems which are often regional. I travel to meetings on tourism up and down the south west and I have been told by a group formed in the area that the agencies are not identifying what the Minister of State terms "honey pots" or working with the airlines to attract people to the region. I met with Mr. Michael O'Leary and Mr. Padraig O'Ceidigh and asked them if they would work with us to bring people to the area. We have developed what is termed the "Go Kerry" initiative which seeks to brand Kerry as an identity in places such as Manchester to which flights into and from Kerry Airport operate. There are 8 million people living in the greater Manchester area. While one can play on the diaspora, one must also play on the product.

The "Rose of Tralee" gets massive national television coverage. The Rose of Tralee ball in Toronto, which is attended by up to 600 people, is a platform from which we can launch our country and product. Our hill walking, golfing and fishing facilities need to be developed. Fishing is the second largest activity in the US. There are more people in the UK fishing on a Saturday afternoon than there are watching premiership soccer. With a little energy, we could harness these activities. We must work with the small agencies and groups and provide those which prove themselves credible with some financial support. I am currently working on a concept with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, in relation to how to develop the skill set of those selling Ireland. It is not always about capital investment; it is about developing our product, which is to be applauded. Our product must be renewed and refreshed. This legislation is a positive step.

We must strive to do things better. Ireland is the land of "cead míle fáilte". As such, we should be spending money on marketing and training. Everyone has a part to play. While today we are acknowledging that in this forum, it also needs to be said across the airwaves. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, on the job he is doing in that regard.

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