Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

The House will be aware that tourism, along with the agrifood sector, is the largest employer in the State. Will the Leader arrange a debate to coincide with a significant marketing campaign about to be launched by Tourism Ireland aimed at the Irish diaspora, not only in our nearest neighbour, which is our largest tourist market, but also around the world? It is significant that the work of Tourism Ireland has resulted not only in Fifth Avenue but also other major centres worldwide being painted green in March. This is probably one of the most significant marketing campaigns ever launched by a tourism body.

The House will be aware that Tourism Ireland is charged with attracting visitors to the island of Ireland, North and South. The tourism industry is significant in these difficult economic times, especially in my area of the Border counties which has the smallest number of visitors nationally. I understand the marketing campaign will cost in the region of €20 million. I congratulate the Government on the fact that, despite our straightened times, it has not reduced the international tourism marketing budget. I hope Tourism Ireland's campaign will result in an increase in the number of visitors to this country. An increase of 5% is projected this year compared with a decrease of 2% last year. This will clearly result not only in more visitors but in the protection of jobs, especially in the hotel industry, which is suffering grievously from the downturn. Because of the importance of the issue and as it is close to St. Patrick's Day I put it to the Leader that this month would be the time to focus the minds of people and this House on the importance of the tourism industry.