Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)

I would like to welcome an initiative that was announced by the Minister, Deputy Shatter, yesterday evening. I refer to the extension of the Irish short-stay visa waiver programme for a further four years. When the programme was introduced for the first time last year, it was introduced as a positive step in encouraging visitors to Ireland. It was originally due to last until the end of October 2012, but it will now be extended for a further four years. A total of 18 countries are now included in the programme. This initiative has received a unanimous welcome from the tourism promotion industry. Before the Chair reminds me to put a question to the Leader-----