Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

That should be acknowledged. I think it was an extra €15 million, which was ring fenced and was welcomed by the industry.

Last year there was an initiative in the UK which delivered the message of Ireland in a different way. They used what are called "flash mobs" operating at railway stations across the United Kingdom. The flash mobs in this instance, organised by Tourism Ireland, comprised Irish traditional musicians who appeared out of the blue at railway stations in the early hours of the morning right across the major cities of the UK to bring home the message. They then handed out fliers to passers by. Because there is a very strong attachment to Ireland in the UK - it is still to cool to be Irish - the figures this year showed an increase. I am convinced that it came about as a result of these marketing initiatives. Yesterday, I said that an increase in the cap was a vote of confidence by this Government in the tourism industry that it was not just about tying up the legal niceties.

It was also a vote of confidence. It could have been capped at €90 million or €100 million but it was capped at €150 million, which shows the capacity exists within this Government, if the money is available, to spend that money. This is based on the experience that has been clear over the past six or seven years.

I want to make a case, perhaps an opposing case to Senator Barrett, without compromising the central premise of the Senator's argument that there should be accountability. We all want accountability but I do not agree that the tourism budget should be processed in a way involving a clutter of State agencies. Tourism is vital to the continuing economic well-being of this country and it is the second most important industry after agriculture. If there was a proposal that the agriculture budget could be subject to the sort of suggestions aired by Senator Barrett, I have no doubt the Irish Farmers Association and every associated organisation would be at the Minister of State's doorstep, complaining bitterly that he would inhibit the development of agriculture worldwide.

I will not labour the point but I am interested in the Minister of State's comments on Senator Barrett's suggestion. I do not support the recommendation because of the manner in which it is suggested that, if implemented, it would in any way inhibit the orderly development of a tourism market that is vital not only to the national economy but to every town and village in the country. I said it yesterday but I will repeat it that I applaud the Minister of State for his enthusiasm in this regard. He comes from the west, which is particularly significant, and I do not wish to in any way suggest that because the Cabinet is Dublin-oriented, the people in it do not fully understand the matter. With the Taoiseach and the Minister of State responsible for tourism coming from Mayo, rural Ireland is in safe hands.

I applaud the efforts to bring more jobs to the tourism industry and I welcome the legislation before the House. I look forward to engaging with the Minister of State in future on the various initiatives to be brought forward. I hope this tourism year will continue to show the increases that have existed and that the improvements are not just a ship passing in the night.