Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is very welcome to the House this afternoon. I wish to concentrate on the tourism industry. As the Minister is no doubt aware, as we all are, Brexit hold difficulties for us across many sectors, and tourism is one example. It is especially important as almost 41% of all the visitors who come to this country are from Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom. That shows how dependent we are on that market. It is our closest neighbour. I would like to hear what strategy the Minister has in place in respect of Brexit and how it will affect the tourism industry, in particular the large number of visitors, 41%, who come from Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom.

Tourism has been a significant source of income for the State. We are thankful it has been successful in recent years and the investment we have made has been very much rewarded. Last year, the centenary of 1916, the commemorations were a major success. This demonstrates that when this country puts on a show, it does it in a way of which we can be very proud. The number of visitors continually increases, particularly visitors to our capital city. I note that during the weekend of the rugby international, St Patrick's weekend, it is nearly impossible to get a bed in the city.