Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I echo the remarks of Senator Morrissey in congratulating the Independent group for tabling this motion and stimulating a debate on the important issue of competitiveness within the tourism industry, particularly as summer approaches. All Members are aware that tourism is vital to our economy and I understand that more than 140,000 jobs are dependent on tourism. We must focus and recognise the enormous contribution tourism makes in this to the overall number of jobs in the economy. I remember that in the early 1990s, Deputy Richard Bruton, who was then Fine Gael's spokesperson on employment published a document which I believe was called Towards the Jobs Economy. That economic analysis document pointed out that in the 1980s and early 1990s, our problem was an inability to concentrate on doing things at which we excelled. Traditionally, one activity at which we excel has been the production of an excellent quality tourism product in which people from north America, Europe and the UK enjoy coming here to participate.

However, in reality, perception is everything. The perception is that over the past number of years, Ireland has ceased to become the kind of destination people wish to visit because of the price hikes people see all around them. Senator Quinn makes a valid point when he highlights the fact that the American Express holiday cost of living index puts us in the invidious position of being second last only to Norway. This is a serious indicator for a country that depends so much on tourism as a revenue source. The Government must take note of this in the weeks and months ahead.

As Senator Daly might be aware, I visit County Clare every year with my family, usually for the month of August. He will be glad to hear that I enjoy it and only go to County Clare for my summer holidays. I do not spend an enormous amount of money there, but do my bit to contribute to the local north Clare economy.