Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 1:

After "improved" in the last line to insert the following:

"supports the conclusion of the Duffy/Walsh report which found that lowering of the basic JLC rates is unlikely to have a substantial effect on employment in the tourism and hospitality sector;

— supports the implementation of policies that will attract young people into the tourism sector and encourage them to pursue careers in tourism;

— calls on the government to protect the lowest paid workers in the tourism sector following the publication of the Duffy/Walsh report; and

— acknowledges the successful completion of the National Convention Centre which will result in a major increase in the numbers of visitors to Dublin over the coming years.".

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus tá súil agam go mbeidh díospóireacht suimiúil againn. This Fianna Fáil amendment to the motion is tabled in a positive and proactive spirit, a policy enunciated by our leader, Deputy Micheál Martin, on the election of the Taoiseach. We do not intend to object and oppose for the sake of it. This is the reason we have accepted the entire body of the substantive motion. We have added what we regard as important additional segments and I hope they will be supported in return.

It is accepted by all that tourism is a very important industry for Ireland, not least in my own county of Kerry. On that note, may I congratulate my colleague, Senator Coghlan, on his forbearance because he got through his entire speech without once mentioning Muckross or even Killarney, and that is certainly a first.