Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

As it is such a happy occasion, we should wish him the best.

The chief executive of Ireland West Tourism, Mr. John Concannon, said that selling tourism in the west is now like standing on a burning platform and only fire brigade action can save it. We are in dire need of swift action in order to save livelihoods throughout the whole rural region of the west of Ireland. The livelihoods of families involved in tourism are being eroded on a daily basis. Significant changes are taking place in the way people visit the west. While we welcome the publication today of the report which states that holidays in the west are 20% cheaper than in Dublin, swift action is needed in this regard. While I am not the best person to seek extra sitting days in the Seanad, I suggest to the Acting Leader that he might consider coming back for one day in September and inviting all the relevant Ministers who are preparing the Estimates to listen to the points we want to make in regard to spending for the next year, so that voices of Members of this House may be heard.