Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with colleagues in welcoming our visitors from the European People's Party, EPP, throughout Europe. Sixteen Heads of State, 2,000 delegates and 500 members of the press will attend, which will give a significant boost to the economy of Dublin. I have no doubt they will be well looked after and I hope they will bring back a positive message of Ireland on their return home.

I share Senator Mooney's concerns about sections of the hospitality industry that tend to hike prices when they have a captive audience. If we want to grow and expand our tourist numbers the hospital industry must be central to that and ensure it gives good value for money to visitors to this country.

I join Senator Brennan in welcoming that significant work has commenced on repairing damage cause by the recent floods. In my county of Galway almost €10 million has been allocated for work on roads, piers and cemeteries. That will give a boost to the construction sector but I ask the Leader if we could invite the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Brian Hayes, back to the House to discuss and review how we will tackle some of the long-term issues that have arisen as a result of the recent floods. I refer in particular to difficulties in Ardrahan and Gort, in south Galway, and in the Shannon callows. People are still marooned in their houses in south Galway. There is a long-term problem in south Galway that must be addressed. A significant number of State agencies should be brought together as a matter of urgency, and we need to begin to address that in the very near future as soon as the flood waters have receded. Very significant tracks of agricultural land will be out of commission for a protracted period and there are issues in the area that must be urgently addressed. I would appreciate it if the Leader could organise that debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, as a matter of urgency.