Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is worth noting that it is a beautiful day and many Irish citizens are in good humour because of the fine weather. With this in mind I request a debate on an industry that is doing very well and that the Government has got right. I speak of the tourism industry. We have seen numerous initiatives in the area, including the retention of the 9% VAT rate in the hospitality sector. This rate was initiated and retained by the current Government, which is significant. The travel tax has been abolished and this has resulted in hundreds of thousands more passengers entering the country through Shannon Airport alone, not to mention Dublin Airport, Cork Airport and Knock Airport, all of which have benefited greatly. There has been a significant increase in the number of tourists coming to Ireland and spending money here, so I would like a debate on the future of the tourism industry. The past three years have seen remarkable year-on-year growth in the sector and I believe this is only the beginning and that tourism will ultimately transform the economy. Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and it is even more beautiful when the sun shines. We must seek to increase investment in tourism and create further initiatives in the tourism sector. It may not be popular to mention, but I suggest bringing back tax incentives as they will encourage small towns to develop tourism initiatives. Such incentives would be wise and would bring great benefit. I ask the Leader to organise a debate on tourism with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar.