Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader arrange a debate on tourism, which is one of our most important industries? We have recently noted a great drop in the number of visitors to Ireland, particularly to the west. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism said he has carried out one of the most comprehensive surveys every carried out in the United Kingdom on the locations to which UK tourists are going. He has given a few flimsy excuses as to why they are not coming to Ireland, one of which is that they believe they can come to Ireland any time they like. The second excuse is that, to the UK tourist, Ireland represents more of the same or is much the same as the United Kingdom. We should have a debate on tourism and the survey carried out.