Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the fact the Minister recognises the figures are disappointing. It is incumbent on the Government to do something. While one should never read too much into any particular statistical snapshot, it is an indicator. There has been an effort by the Government to clap itself on the back to some extent because of the notional 6% increase last year based on the figures for the previous year. My recollection is that the increase was based on the ash cloud. When the figures are adjusted to take account of the significant reduction in traffic as a result of that event, the increase disappears. I urge the Government to continue to invest heavily in promoting Ireland abroad in whatever way it can and to have in place a strategic plan to ensure we do not lose market share or visitor numbers.

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