Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I will be brief as Senator Kieran Phelan is our spokesperson on tourism. I commend the Bill and the work of the Minister. I am glad the fine work of CERT and its staff has been formally recognised. All tourists, both domestic and foreign, want good value, which has been lacking heretofore due to complacency among providers of tourism services faced with a steady increase in the number of tourists in recent years. This will result in a recession unless they are assured of value.

There are major opportunities for Ireland in this respect. We offer excellent food and wine, are good company and the country has many lovely areas. Tourists need to be assured of decent food and accommodation at reasonable prices. They do not come here for our beaches, although such tourists would provide an added bonus. In general, they come here for what could be described as our céad míle fáilte, which, as Senator Ryan noted, has unfortunately diminished recently. Tourists are now seeking value for money.

With the Minister at the helm, a native, as Senator Bannon said, of one of the most beautiful, scenic spots in the country, which also offers great value, I have no doubt the tourism industry will succeed. However, it will require hard graft this year.