Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Quinn's call for a debate on tourism. Indeed, we should have regular debates on tourism in this House. Given that the six-monthly figures will be published shortly, now is an ideal time for the Government to outline the impact of The Gathering so far. Indications are that it is proving very positive, with the exception of the British market, which seems to be the Achilles heel of Irish tourism.

I also call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to sign the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating both violence against women and domestic violence before the end of the Irish Presidency of the EU. We are one of 18 countries in the 47 member Council of Europe that have not yet signed that convention. A great deal of lip service is paid by this Government to the injustices that are being meted out to women every day. Now it is time for action. There is a short window left and the Government would send out a very powerful message, domestically and internationally, by signing the convention.