James Bannon (Fine Gael)

We need a fresh look at the structures in place to promote our tourism industry. The regional boards we have at present have outlived their usefulness. Last week's ITIC survey showed worrying trends in tourism. There has been a decline in the number of bednights, tourists are spending less time in Ireland and there are fewer UK visitors. Tour operators, agencies involved in tourism and community leaders have been making negative comments about the regional structures in place. People in the midlands seldom have their tourism products promoted by the east coast and midlands board. It is important that the structures are reviewed urgently. Perhaps the boards should be abolished and replaced by new structures giving regional authorities some power to promote tourism.