The Irish tourism industry has a very strong base from which to work. Despite the difficulties it has faced in recent years, from the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the impact on aviation and tourism as a result of the 11 September 2001 attacks and the SARS outbreak, Irish tourism has managed superbly. As the report outlines, we draw our strength from a substantial and increased customer base, high overall customer satisfaction ratings, competent and experienced staff and the quantity and good quality of accommodation, restaurants, pubs, leisure facilities and visitor attractions. We have also been able to alter the services and products we supply to cater for fluctuating demand. We have been able to adapt to different tourism demands and have reaped the rewards of this flexibility. We have been able to create new markets to meet demand for tourism services as they develop. However, I agree with the statement in the report that we have reached a crossroads. In recent years, the Irish tourism industry has lost a good deal of its competitiveness. It is vital that we correct this as soon as possible.