Seanad debates
Wednesday, 19 November 2003
Report of Tourism Policy Review Group: Statements.
People would be surprised if I did not make some reference to that which makes us distinctively culturally different. We have strong cultural and artistic assets in Ireland. I recall the findings of a major survey to the effect that the principal areas of participation and enjoyment for our overseas visitors included traditional music as one of the top six, as well as high-class evening entertainment. Our built heritage was at the very top of the list. It is noteworthy that three of the top six preferences related to our artistic, heritage and cultural assets. The fleadh ceoil in Clonmel attracted 250,000 people and generated almost €30 million for the region, a proportion of which went back into the coffers of the State. This morning, I heard a radio interview in which the horse racing industry highlighted its contribution to the economy. Having regard to the contribution of the fleadh ceoil as just one event, one can imagine the total contribution of all the other cultural and artistic events throughout the country. I repeat my main point that we must be very careful about artificial contrivance, bearing in mind always that our great asset is that which is, very often, exclusive to ourselves and not available in other countries.
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