Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the meeting yesterday between the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport and representatives of the tourism industry to address the adverse impact of the volcanic ash on this country and its potential continuing adverse impact on the tourism industry. In this light, I repeat that it would be timely and useful for the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport to be invited into the House to discuss tourism strategy, as she now has read herself into her brief and has met the various sectors in the tourism industry, as well as Fáilte Ireland's strategy for the future.

While I agree with the sentiments that have been expressed on the other side of the House and especially by Senator Alex White on the implications of the agreement between the eurozone members last weekend, I must robustly reject his allegations that the Taoiseach is not defending the sovereignty of this country. This is not the first time the Labour Party has attempted to smear the Taoiseach in respect of his national priorities and his patriotism. He is as good a patriot as anyone in this House.