The importance of the tourism industry is highlighted by the fact that 47 cent out of every €1 spent by a tourist generates tax revenue for the Government. That is a significant figure. While the number of people visiting Ireland fell last year, the Minister said he predicts a marginal increase for 2002. It is unclear what the final figure will be, but I hope he is right. In its report the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation recommended the establishment of a tourism development strategy group similar to the industrial development strategy group which was set up in the early 1990s and was successful. Fine Gael supports the recommendation of the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation because the tourism industry relies too heavily on Government decisions and actions. Tourism growth would greatly assist the pace of national economic development. There was a marked decline in economic growth last year. Although it is still at a good level, the tourism industry could be exploited to increase economic growth into the future.