Alan Kelly (Labour)

This is the third time I have asked the Leader to invite the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to the House to address a number of issues. The importance of e-business to tourism is underestimated. I read today that 64% of people book all their travel on-line. I am concerned that the funding given to and administered by our multiple agencies is insufficient to maintain competitiveness in the years to come. I also read that 64% of people domestically use the Internet and other forms of electronic media to carry out their tourism bookings. Multiple agencies are involved in tourism and this may be an area for consolidation. It is important that they be adequately funded in this important area for building tourism.

We have previously asked for the Minister for Transport to come to the House to discuss access policy. We also need the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to come here to discuss the issue of access because it is tourism that will affect it, particularly in the mid-west. Given that the visitor numbers from Britain are dropping we need to know what strategies will be implemented to address the problem.

I have previously raised the issue of the GPA grants, an issue I am sure you share with me, a Chathaoirligh. In an attempt to address the matter in a cross-party way on behalf of this House, along with a number of other Senators I met a delegation from the GPA. Those players are struggling to get across the line regarding the €5 million funding. I understand that the only issue is a mechanism for the payment, which either can go through the Irish Sports Council or be provided directly from the Department. I would appeal to anybody who has any influence or who could help facilitate the Minister to get this across the line. I will be there and can act as a conduit if needs be with the GPA. It is a very simple task. These people are contributing so much to Irish society. It is only €2,000 per player.