Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Yes. There is one aspect of the hospitality sector which I fail to understand. I intend no disrespect to them but I am informed that more than 6,000 non-nationals are employed in hotels and elsewhere in the tourism industry. These people do not have the requisite training, do not possess the skills and do not represent the traditional brand of Irish hospitality. As those who appear on the front line, sadly they do not give the correct impression. Given that more than 450,000 people are unemployed, I do not understand how our work permit system can operate in such a way as to allow so many non-EU nationals to work in the hospitality sector. Consideration must be given to this matter.

We need to reduce administration costs and deal with the complexities relating to Irish visitor visas. We must also roll out high-capacity broadband to the regions, particularly as a lack of access to this facility is affecting some of those involved in tourism.

Action must be taken in respect of the practices of predatory pricing and reckless trading in the hotel sector. I appreciate what the Minister said in respect of NAMA hotels. We are all aware, however, of instances where traditional, family owned hotels which are run by people who have been in business and who have given great value, for many years are being put to the pin of their collars as a result of what some of their competitors appear to be doing. I accept NAMA's statement to the Minister to the effect that it does not support the type of behaviour to which I refer. I must, however, ask the question as to how this is happening. We are all aware that it is happening and Members will have received many messages in respect of it.

In the Lower House, my colleague, Deputy Deenihan, raised the issue of the travel tax with the Minister. He pointed out that in Holland, a similar tax costs three times more than it generates. Perhaps the Minister will comment on this matter. I had understood that Mr. Michael O'Leary put forward proposals which would have ensured that Revenue would not have been placed at a loss.

We must take action in respect of the supports being given to hotels that are not viable. The Minister does not have the answer in this regard and neither do I. We are aware of what is happening to the family-run operations to which I have already referred. I do not know if NAMA can do anything about what is taking place. I referred to the activities of Bank of Scotland Ireland and Ulster Bank in this regard. There may be a need to consult the Irish Banking Federation in respect of this matter.

The Minister has raised the issue of excessive local authority charges with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

The Minister might provide further clarification in this respect. There are some penal charges.

The golf sector is very close to our hearts and we appreciate the success of the Irish Open in Killarney. With respect, there is no better venue, although I would say that anyway. Fáilte Ireland and the Minister would acknowledge this. There is infrastructure, capacity and accommodation in place, and the country has 411 golf courses, so more could be done with golf tourism. There is a latent demand for Ireland and the people who love the game all over the world must visit the destination. It is particularly popular in Britain and America.

The Irish Open must receive special consideration, as it is popular with the players, the European tour and Fáilte Ireland. The Minister attended the event this year and she might give us an assurance that Killarney will be the host again next year. That would be best for Ireland as the promotional value is significant. The Leas-Chathaoirleach would appreciate these issues and in segmenting the golf product, he could give us advice. There are different categories of courses.

I will leave these comments with the Minister. There are many other points I wish to deal with but we will catch up with them. I look forward to the Minister's reply.