Jimmy Harte (Labour)

The Ulster Bank announcement is regrettable. It has many fine staff and the bank has had a significant presence in County Donegal over the years, particularly along the Border. Some of those shedding crocodile tears about job losses are the same people who were saying the bank should have been left to flounder some time ago. They cannot have it both ways. They cannot say they feel sorry for the bank staff on the one hand while, on the other, make statements that the bank should been allowed to go to the wall.

Senator Coghlan referred to the Lonely Planet guide. I am more concerned about the commentary in The New York Times which I would like the Leader to raise with the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Sport. Earlier this week, the newspaper published a list of the 45 most desirable places to visit in 2012 throughout the world and no location in Ireland was mentioned. Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Wales featured. The New York Times has a significant readership and it is well regarded in America while New York is a major tourism market for us.