On Second Stage the Minister stated that progress in the peace process and the improved prospect of stability in Northern Ireland will be of substantial benefit to tourism, not alone in the British market but in our markets worldwide. There is no doubt that today's historic visit by Mr. Blair, the British Prime Minister, will add significantly to the work already being carried out by Bord Fáilte in the United Kingdom in particular. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Margaret Cahill and all the other people involved in Bord Fáilte in London for the magnificent work they have done over the years. They are very conscious of the improvement in relations between our two countries. The vast majority of tourists who come here originate in the United Kingdom and we are the main beneficiary of their tourist trade. There is no doubt that today will help significantly the efforts of our people in London.
I was conscious of their achievements at last week's World Trade Market when I saw the stall representing Ireland in the midst of 160 other countries. The Minister and members of my committee were proud of the identity which we have achieved in the tourist market in the United Kingdom and the benefits arising from that to the Irish economy as a whole. This section allows the Minister to increase the funding to continue that work which is so ably being carried out by our colleagues in the United Kingdom.
