Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Gathering Ireland 2013 is the biggest tourism event ever to be held in Ireland. Businesses, clubs, organisations and people across the country will get involved in The Gathering and will contribute to its success. There will be many special events to highlight what is great about individual communities and what they, in terms of heritage and culture, have to offer the discerning visitor. We have it all. While the sun does not often shine here the discerning visitor comes here for what we have to offer, the cead míle fáilte.

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, on this initiative, which I believe will result in a major increase in visitors to all parts of Ireland this year. It promises to be the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland. The response to date from people at home and abroad has been fantastic. These responses range from family gatherings to school and college reunions, and even a gathering of twins. Like the Minister I, too, congratulate Senator Eamonn Coghlan on his initiative, through which he is encouraging participation from broad in a golf tournament at two of the most magnificent golf courses in this country, to which I understand there has been a great response. I have invited Seandoirí ona Stáit Aontaithe to come and participate in it.

Local The Gathering organisations, comprising sporting bodies, cultural and musical organisations, local authorities and local development companies, are being set up in every county. The Gathering will showcase Ireland at its best. Senator Ó Murchú mentioned An Tóstal which takes place in Drumshanbo and commenced in 1952, which, if the Minister does not mind my saying, was before he was born. Senator Ó Murchú admitted to his age at the time that initiative was introduced. I was half his age at that time.