Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, and congratulate him on his elevation to high office. He is already doing a good job so we need not hope he will do that.

The last contribution from the Opposition side was a very positive one. It is good to see balance, which is most welcome, as is the jobs initiative. While this initiative might be seen by some as a drop in the ocean, it is drop that will definitely have a ripple effect. If we have enough drops in the ocean in this economy, it will create the waves we need to get out of the mess we are in as a result of very poor Government performance over the years.

A number of the issues have already been touched on, in particular, the travel tax. For many months, Ryanair and in particular Mr. Michael O'Leary have highlighted this issue. It was madness to introduce a travel tax in the first place and one of the striking features of this initiative is that the travel tax is being removed. There is also a commitment to deal with airport charges, which is another of the Ryanair's bugbears. Nonetheless, we want to work with Ryanair; we do not want to work for it. It is a partnership approach. The best government one can have is a government that works in partnership with all the stakeholders, particularly those in business who are trying to create jobs. I have no doubt the intentions on the Government side are to work with Ryanair. It remains to be seen if Ryanair is prepared to follow suit and work with the Government.

Senator John Kelly referred to the ripping off that is taking place in this city, where Saturday night is a particularly difficult night to get a hotel room and monopoly money is being quoted for accommodation. Similarly, two weeks ago when Members of this House were trying to get rooms in Dublin, monopoly prices were quoted by hotels that otherwise would provide a room for €40 or €50. To add to this, I was in a particular popular venue in this city on 1 June and at 11.23 p.m. ordered a beverage, for which I paid €5. I ordered a second at 11.44 p.m. and when I handed over €5 for it, I was told I owed an extra euro. I have the receipts to prove it. I will not name the hostelry in question because it would not be appropriate to do so, although it deserves to be named.