Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his ruling. It contributes greatly to the dignity of the House that he has dealt with the issue in this manner.

I support Senator O'Toole's remarks in regard to the Americas Cup. I want to raise a related matter on the Order of Business. A report in this morning's edition of The Irish Times states that an alarmingly increased percentage of tourists surveyed last year were unhappy with their holidays in this country. Some 56% were less than satisfied and the figure increased to 80% for visitors from continental Europe who were unhappy about the quality of their holiday here. This sounds serious alarm bells for Ireland and it is an issue which is worthy of considerable reflection. If we are to undertake the sort of projects to which Senator O'Toole referred, we will have to consider how we operate that business. For hoteliers to be demanding further Government supports and subsidies is not a solution to the real issues. I am not saying there are solutions. However, tourism is one of our biggest industries and if 81% of customers from continental Europe, one of our largest markets, are unhappy with what we are doing, it is up to us to change it.