Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

I am glad to hear the Minister of State is proactively dealing with this matter with Tourism Ireland. It is very important because there is huge potential. Ireland is only a plane ride from London. We should be in a position to offer facilities, such as hotels, hostels and other accommodation.

The Minister of State mentioned the aquatic centre might be available for certain activities, such as training purposes, in the lead up to and during the Olympics. He mentioned the Olympic torch would be carried to Ireland and London, and we would have a ceremony to celebrate that. I do not know whether that has advanced further. It would be great to see people lining the streets and greeting the torch bearers. It will be a magnificent event.

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