Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Gathering has been a remarkable success. Small events and festivals have flourished the length and breadth of the country and contributed in no small way to attracting additional tourists. The Gathering will also have an impact in 2014 because the word spread throughout the world that Ireland was a place to visit. Michael O'Leary has to be commended for delivering an additional 1 million passengers. He has put his money where his mouth is. He was forthright in calling for the abolition of the airport travel tax and has delivered on passenger numbers. I look forward to welcoming a significant proportion of the additional passengers to County Clare, where I can guarantee them they will have a pleasant and enjoyable stay for several days. We have numerous attractions that will offer them fond memories and good times.