Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of where we are going with the tourism industry. It is going well in some locations, for example, in my part of the world in Kinsale, Cork, but I am concerned about the change in strategy and policy. In Kinsale, approximately 2,500 people passed through the tourist office in the past six months but its staff numbers have been reduced. It had three staff last year but only two this year.

The main factor in our tourism industry is our people. They are key. The front face is important. Our people are the friendly faces that guide our tourists. We must invest in our front face. There has been major investment in roots tourism and digital media but we cannot forget what it is that Ireland is trying to sell, namely, our people. This is the key marketing goal that we need to push. We must debate with the Minister the focus that must be placed on the front-line staff of, in particular, Fáilte Ireland. They must be supported and have the resources necessary to show tourists around the country. When one goes to any other part of the world, the first place one visits is the tourist office. We must support our infrastructure and the people on the ground. A debate on this matter would be appropriate and helpful for our tourists and the tourism industry.