Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

For those who turned out it was not a failure.

The development of the River Shannon and its tie-up with the Erne waterway are important. We must promote projects to ensure that the assets of the midlands, particularly the River Shannon, are opened up. Lockey Forest Park, on my own doorstep, is a prime example. More could be spent on the home tourism market if local groups had the facilities.

The issues of crime and safety impinge on tourism. The Minister knows all about the policy of zero tolerance, which was promised some years ago. Crime in Ireland will undermine the tourism potential of the country.

Litter, the poor provision of health care, bad road signage and traffic gridlock create problems for tourism. We need more indoor facilities and reasonably priced transport. We need hostels for backpackers. In the early 1980s I spent two years travelling around the world as a backpacker. Backpackers will only go where there is value for money, hostels and cheap reliable transport. However, they must be attracted because they are the big tourist spenders of tomorrow.

I appeal to the Minister to appoint Mr. Michael O'Leary to the board of the new body. He has done more to bring tourists to this country than any other person, and as he says, "Keep it simple".