Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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As there are no amendments, we proceed to Fifth Stage.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I compliment the Minister of State on his speedy movement of the Bill through the House. While the Bill is technical in nature, it sets out a commitment to recognise the importance of investment in the tourism industry, particularly in capital infrastructure. I encourage the Minister of State, in his ongoing work in the Department and at Government level, to ensure the tourism industry remains in focus.

I know about the work of the Government in assisting the tourism industry through the reduction of VAT, a matter I do not propose to discuss, as the Minister of State knows my views on it. I do not believe the reduction has worked, or that it will do so. We must be prepared to invest significant amounts of money in the capital product that underpins the industry. The discretion for people travelling across the world has changed and their expectations are greater and different. Therefore, we can only go so far in attracting them with our current product. We have beautiful scenery, fantastic destinations and fine hotels, but we need to look to a new era with a range of products that surpasses the best throughout the world.

Given the Minister of State's commitment, I have no doubt he will seek to ensure funding is put in place. This will be more difficult in the current environment because the private investment that was available in the past is no longer available to the same extent in what is considered to be a speculative business. However, if the right approach is taken to using pension funds, there will be a willingness on the part of outside and private sources to participate, as well as on the part of practitioners in some of the major attractions around the world who recognise and understand the tourism business. For too long we have sought to rely on our scenery and uniqueness, but that will not be enough for the future.

I urge the Minister of State to take the comments of Deputies on board and to try, wherever possible, to develop a properly resourced tourism product development fund that will allow for the provision of the most appropriate product to ensure we retain and grow our tourist numbers in the future.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I wish the Minister of State well with the Bill. Tourism is very important in the current economic climate and I hope every consideration and support will be given to the industry in the upcoming budget.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Opposition spokespersons and all speakers who spoke positively about tourism. I compliment Deputies on the speed with which this important Bill was dealt with in the House and thank them for their co-operation. I look forward to working with the spokespersons on tourism for the next few years.

Tourism is a very important item on the Government's agenda. In the first nine months of the year there was a 10% increase. However, funding in the coming year will be difficult, but the Government is committed to the provision of capital funding, marketing and promoting the industry throughout the world. I seek the same support from everyone in the country for The Gathering in 2013. We must work together and encourage our sister and brother sports and cultural organisations to come to Ireland in 2013. I, therefore, ask for the support of the House for this project.

Everyone who spoke to the Bill was positive about what was going on in the country. We have a good product and good people. Now we need to work together. Everyone who comes to Ireland brings money with him or her. On the other hand, two thirds of bed nights in Ireland are accounted for by domestic tourists. This is about Ireland in very difficult times. I am glad to say, however, that the tourism industry has performed very well this year and know the Government will give us the necessary resources to promote the country.