John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions and commend them on the depth and range of their interventions. I wish Senator Daly well in his role as Government spokesperson on arts, sport and tourism. I have no doubt he will bring his considerable experience as a former Minister and Member of both Houses to bear on this important portfolio. I also wish Senator John Paul Phelan and Senator McCarthy well in their roles as Opposition spokespersons. I look forward to working with them in all three areas in the interests of the country.

It is very appropriate that the tourism sector should attract the level of interest and debate it has in recent times, both inside and outside the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is clear from today's statements that tourism is particularly highly valued at local and regional level, which is not surprising given the number actively involved in and benefiting from the sector, and makes an enormous contribution to the national economy.

I am convinced the potential for tourism remains very strong, provided the industry maintains its focus on the key steps to sustained growth. To achieve this potential, there must be a concerted drive to tackle a number of underlying issues, including relative competitiveness, value for money, quality and the unique holiday experience for which Ireland is famous.

As I mentioned, since my appointment as Minister, I have made it my business to meet as many people in the industry as possible and will continue to consult widely in order to ensure the Government response is timely, relevant and adds value. I have been very impressed by the obvious enthusiasm within the industry to regain momentum and to do so by continuing to foster and promote the very effective working partnerships between the public sector and the industry which delivered such positive results during the 1990s.