John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue regarding tourism, which has been the shining light of the economy in the past five years, even during the worst recession in the history of the State. Because of various initiatives, including the 9% VAT rate and targeted marketing by our State agencies Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland of The Gathering, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East and so on, more tourists than ever are coming to Ireland. That trend has continued, according to the figures for the first quarter, which showed an increase of 17%. It has been the best ever quarter for tourism. There are 220,000 people employed in the sector, with 35,000 to 40,000 new jobs coming on stream in the past few years. Tourism amounts to 4% of GDP. However, two issues are emerging. We have almost reached a tipping point, with accommodation and hotel prices, particularly in urban areas, going through the roof, especially when events are taking place in the cities concerned. Our competitiveness, which was our strength in the past five years, could become our greatest weakness. There is also the Brexit issue and the fall in sterling. There was a 17% increase in the number of UK tourists in the first quarter figures. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to come to the House to explain how the agencies will deal with this issue in the short term, because we do not want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. It is easier to be proactive before it happens, so to speak. However, I think it is happening already in regard to accommodation. Perhaps the Minister can be invited to the House to address these issues.