Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I move:

That Seanad Éireann:

—notes with alarm the publication in the past week of the latest American Express Holiday Cost of Living Index which revealed that Ireland now ranks second only to Norway as the most expensive holiday destination in Europe;

—while conscious of the present low level of access fares to this country;

— the constant efforts of the tourism industry to offer good value to our visitors;

—records its concern at the continuing erosion of national competitiveness that these figures reflect, especially their possible knock-on effect on Ireland's attractiveness as an investment destination and as a source of export earnings.

The findings by the American Express survey are bad enough but my real concern arises from the absence of comment in the newspapers. When a heavyweight international survey found, in a report published last week, Ireland to be the second most expensive holiday destination in the world nobody batted an eyelid. The newspaper that carried the story referred to the comment of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the preceding week to the effect that rip-off Ireland was a myth. At the time the cost of Irish holidays had risen by 26% and the cost of holidays in the United States dropped by 20%.

I am not suggesting the Government can solve these problems. That is largely due to the value of the dollar and so on. I was jolted, however, by the lack of concern or interest. I am also disappointed today by the Government amendment to the motion.

I grew up in the tourism business. My father ran the Red Island Holiday Camp in Skerries. That is a great way for anybody in business to grow up.