Seanad debates

Wednesday, 27 November 2002

National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Second Stage.

 

I am sure the Minister is well aware, as I am, of the significance of cultural tourism. It is an area that needs to be protected. People do not come here for the climate. The Minister will have the support of many in this House for seeking to protect the fairly small tax concessions to owners of large historic houses. It is very important as people come to Ireland to see these places. I take my hat off to people like Tony Ryan who did such a stunning job in Lyons. He is a wealthy man and perhaps he does not need it but he is entitled to be rewarded for the wonderful work he has done. That house never looked as good, even on the day it was built. Places such as Birr Castle, Castle Leslie, and Clonalis where the O'Conor Don comes from are all part of our cultural heritage. People come from all over the world to see them and they should be protected. The Minister knows that the centenary of James Joyce's great novel Ulysses is coming up in 2004. I am aware that he has plans as he is farseeing in this and he is taking a very keen and interested approach. Although the James Joyce Centre will be very centrally involved in marking this event, we are also going to need help. Next year for the first time every last cent of State assistance will be removed. It is an extraordinary situation.

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