Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Minister and the Department on the initiative. To some extent, I disagree with my colleagues in that a Government initiative is not required. It is a question of selling Ireland abroad; we do not need to green our own buildings but to do more with our parades to display our culture and attract tourists.

The impetus must come from local communities. We have become far too dependent on the Government and we expect it to lead and drive everything. In my county this year, I saw much greater activity in villages and towns. Much of this is because of the economic position. I saw people at parades who would previously have taken pride in going to Lanzarote or Majorca for the weekend. This year, they were staying at home and spending their money at home, which is positive and good. We must use our scarce resources as best as we can overseas and use the days around St. Patrick's Day to try to attract people to Ireland and display our Irishness.

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