While marketing is a key element of Government policy for the tourism sector, I am convinced a much broader strategy is needed to underpin the medium and longer-term growth of the sector and get us back on track to achieve the 5% average annual growth rate set under the national development plan. An Agreed Programme for Government outlines the principal actions proposed which include a broadening of our source markets and, in particular, seeking to increase our share of the continental European market; fostering expansion and competition on air and sea routes; support for the work of Tourism Ireland Limited in promoting the whole island of Ireland as a tourist destination; completing the task of creating a new national tourism development authority bringing together the functions currently carried out by Bord Fáilte and CERT; examining the case for the construction of a national conference centre and the active promotion of conference business; putting the maintenance of standards and service at the top of the tourism agenda, a hugely important issue; encouraging small accommodation providers and year round tourism activities; and ensuring local authorities take account of the infrastructural needs of tourism and the promotion of sensitive development of tourism areas and environmental best practice.