Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is a number of weeks away. I answered questions put by Deputy Martin on this in recent weeks. I hope it will come before the House in four or five weeks but I cannot give the Deputy an accurate date. I wish to point out to the Irish Hotels Federation that the Government is well aware of the infrastructure that exists for quality tourism in the country. This is why the PRSI rate was reduced and VAT was reduced in the hospitality sector. We hope events such as the tall ships, the Volvo race and the Titanic centenary celebrations in Cork will add immeasurably to this. Next year we will have The Gathering which has enormous potential to bring back people to the homeland. We are also preparing for a Davos-style forum for the creative and imaginative arts in 2014 which should have a big global impact for Ireland.

Next year, Derry will be the city of culture and will host the Fleadh Cheoil, which will have an enormous impact on tourism.

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