John Kelly (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Lucinda Creighton.

I welcome the measures contained in this finance Bill which seek to promote tourism. However, as Senator Jim D'Arcy stated, our prices are not enticing tourists to come here. He also pointed out that while lunch in the United Kingdom cost £5, it cost €13 here. In the past many of our tourist operators were forced out of the sector because of over-pricing. There is evidence that this is happening again. Both last week and this week one could get a hotel room in almost any hotel in Dublin city for €59 per night. This weekend, because there is a concert taking place in Dublin, a similar room will cost €299 per night. In one case, the cost has been set at €399. Also, apartments which normally can be rented for €75 per night will next Saturday night cost €499. We need to address this problem. If we want to take full advantage of the benefit that can accrue to the economy from tourism, we must ensure we do not kill off the sector. Ireland is an expensive country to visit. We should, therefore, introduce a mechanism to put a cap on what hotels can charge customers. While I acknowledge market forces to a degree determine what rates should be paid, it is ridiculous that anyone should be expected to pay double the price of a room on particular nights.

There are many other initiatives which, if introduced, could assist us. Many Bus Éireann buses are travelling around the country half empty. We could offer tourists vouchers to use these buses which would bring them to towns not predominantly known for their tourism product. Providing incentives for tourists would encourage them to spend more money. Senator Rónán Mullen stated the country was known as the Ireland of big welcomes, the Ireland of the Céad Mile Fáilte. When we reach our full potential this time, we must ensure we retain this image.