Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the significance of the passing of the Bill. Last week in the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht and Media, we welcomed representatives from Fáilte Ireland, including the CEO, Paul Kelly, the Irish Hotels Federation, IHF, and the Department. I also acknowledge the significance of the extra capital expenditure provided under the Bill for an offering for tourists coming to Ireland. That cannot be overlooked. There are significant areas in my own county of Meath and on the eastern seaboard.

One point that was raised by representatives in the debate on the broader context is the need for continued engagement on the hotel accommodation situation in the new year. The Minister meets regularly with the representatives. That is not her responsibility, but primarily a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Notwithstanding that, it was interesting to hear the IHF point out in the breakdown that a disproportionate number of those fleeing from the ravages of war are in counties like Kerry where 30% of the accommodation is now taken through those schemes, and 50% in Donegal. It is something we are going to have to grapple with very early in the new year to make sure that we do not reach the cliff edge in March or April.

It is interesting that 70% of our tourism revenue comes from the international tourism market. Those people would have their bookings made and their accommodation secured. Those who face the squeeze will be domestic tourists who might only book in April or May of next year. They will be the ones who will get squeezed on price because of the shortage of accommodation.A big effort by all of Government is required. In the context of this debate, the capital expenditure provided for in the Bill in terms of what we can offer people is hugely important.

I wanted to make those points on the record given that representatives of Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation, IHF, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media attended last week's Oireachtas committee meeting.