Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in congratulating the new Ministers and Ministers of State. It would be appropriate for the new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to be invited to come before the House to engage in a debate on the holding of festivals and events and how we might restore the country's reputation in the aftermath of the debacle which marked the past couple of weeks. One classic example of a festival that is tremendously successful is the Willie Clancy Summer School held in Milltown Malbay, County Clare. Thousands of people from all over Ireland and abroad come to Milltown Malbay and stay in hotels, camper vans and tents. They park in other people's driveways and outside their houses and busk on the streets day and night. The only security presence over the entire weekend is a single garda who is on patrol on the Sunday when the place is heaving. Said garda keeps a low profile and merely wanders up and down the street. The Willie Clancy Summer School is an example of where people open their homes and hearts to visitors. It is a model from which the country could learn.

In the context of tourism and business, I was delighted to read in today's newspapers that Michael O'Leary had committed to Ryanair for a further five years. He is probably one of the greatest businessmen the country has ever produced and pays his taxes here. Ryanair carries 84 million or 85 million passengers per year and I understand it will break the 100 million barrier in the near future. Many distinguished individuals come before this House to address it. Mr. O'Leary should be invited to address us because, as stated, he is one of the greatest businessmen the country has ever produced.