Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I frequently speak about tourism and related issues in Athlone because, as everybody knows, I think it is the centre of the universe. However, on this occasion, I wish to speak about the decision made by Dublin Port to curtail the use of its facilities by cruise ships and liners because of Brexit. It is a massive blow to those involved in tourism nationwide. Dublin Port has told agents that there will be a reduced number of berth spaces up to 2021 and that after 2021 there will be no major turnarounds at the port.Cruise liners and the industry associated with them are worth approximately €50 million to the country and will be severely damaged. A turnaround liner is a liner which comes into Dublin Port, from which people come into Dublin, spend money, have overnight stays and eat out, then re-board the liner at Dublin Port. It is worth a lot to the country. If there are fewer berths at Dublin Port, there will be fewer ships. These ships will go elsewhere, through countries that will be delighted to take them. If we lose them, we will not get them back. I ask the Leader to request the Minister with responsibility for tourism to come into the House to give us an update on it. Perhaps he will keep an eye on his own portfolio and take his nose out of other portfolios. Perhaps he will fight for tourism in this country so that we can maintain the tourism that we have worked very hard to rebuild since coming into government in 2011. It is vital that he comes in to update the House.