Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

By far the largest portion of tourists who visit Ireland come from Great Britain. What plans will the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Fáilte Ireland put in place to counteract the weakening in the value of sterling in recent months? Regional airports, such as in Knock, Kerry, Shannon, Waterford and Donegal, benefit from flights from the UK. This is particularly so in Knock, with direct flights into the west from Scotland and England. The weakening of sterling will have a major effect on the number of tourists coming from the UK. What plans are being put in place to ensure that we continue getting the same great numbers from the UK instead of being at a disadvantage? Perhaps the House should debate the matter at an early stage. The tourism season will be well over when we return. Will the Leader bring this matter to the attention of the Minister and ask him to notify the House or us individually as to what steps are being taken?