Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his positive answer and I am pleased by his optimistic outlook for the tourism sector. I ask for his views on the link between tourism and sports, particularly golf. According to Fáilte Ireland, a golf tourist is worth almost three times the value of an average tourist to this country. The average spend by a golf visitor is approximately €1,300. It is estimated that 155,000 overseas visitors play golf during their time in Ireland. Their total spend is approximately €240 million per annum, not to mention the thousands of jobs they help to create. I ask the Minister for his views on an all-Ireland promotion of the golfing industry in view of the emphasis placed on golf competitions in Northern Ireland.

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