The chairman of Bord Fáilte has reached the targets set by the Government and, by any standards, he has done an excellent job. I do not criticise him for making the statement. My job as a Minister is to use the funds made available to me in the best possible way.
A separate question has been tabled on the effects of the exchange rate on Irish tourism. There will be pluses and minuses in this regard. Over the past year the growth in tourism has come from what is termed the "non-UK area of Europe". Due to the devaluation there will be a substantial benefit for people from those countries because their money will go a great deal further. With regard to visitors from the United States, it must be remembered that in mid-August last year, the high point of the tourism season, the Irish pound was trading at US$1.83-$1.84 and it is now trading at US$1.48, which gives us a competitive advantage. The recent devaluation should have a positive impact on tourism this year.
In response to Deputy Molloy's question, that decision is being considered in my Department. However, it is primarily a matter for the Minister for the Environment. I do not see it having an impact on the tourism sector this year. I am sure people in County Galway, and elsewhere, will find ingenious ways around the decision.