Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State's response. The focus of my contribution this morning was about trying to make sure the rural element of our rural towns was tied into the marketing campaign. When talking about towns like Kinsale and hotels like the Blue Haven, Actons and the Trident or the Fernhill Hotel, Clonakilty and the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, we have huge, wonderful complexes that can be part of this marketing campaign. Connections with local authorities are also important. I mentioned that the Kinsale-Bandon district is tied in with Rhode Island. They are also key links we need to work on in order that we can sell the message. I would like the Minister of State to clarify the following issue. This campaign should start on St. Patrick's Day, not 3 April. St. Patrick's Day is a traditional occasion during which we have great access worldwide to many events and influencers. We need to use that if we can. I hope St. Patrick's Day could be the real focus point so we can get things rolling. It is also about the cost of living. We have value for money we have never seen before. We have not sold that message. I picked up from Americans I have met that they have never seen such value for money. They are also on about the expense in America of food, which has become very expensive there. Now, Ireland is an affordable destination; we just need to tell that story and it has to be a part of the actual campaign.