Seanad debates
Thursday, 12 December 2002
National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage.
The amendment deals with those who are in breach of the Equal Status Act, 2000. Whether a club is in breach of the Act would have to be tested objectively and I would be interested to hear the Minister's view. It is not good enough simply for us to decide that a club or organisation is in breach. It would be wrong to deal only with one particular incident. I recognise the importance of the Irish Open golf tournament for tourism and as a vehicle for promoting the country. I was at the Breeders' Cup international race meeting in November, and I know the Minister got an opportunity there to talk on national television in the US about the benefits of the Irish racing industry and the excellent horses we had on display on the day. That went down very well in that particular area and, I am sure, nationally. I do not underestimate the capacity of these events to generate goodwill and tourism revenue.
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