I wish to share my time with Deputy Stanton.
The impact of the foot and mouth outbreak on the tourism industry is now reaching crisis point. During the initial weeks of the foot and mouth restrictions the main loss of business to the industry arose because of the cancellation of conferences and events. Domestic tourism also took a hit. However, there are still some people coming here from abroad who had advance bookings prior to March. The problem now facing the tourism industry is that people are simply not booking holidays in Ireland. In fact, they are cancelling their trips. There is now a real fear that bookings will completely dry up leaving an enormous void in the tourism industry during the summer months.
The reality is that unless there is the same concerted national effort displayed to protect the agricultural sector from foot and mouth disease, some operators will be put out of business. I strongly believe this crisis needs to be dealt with in a co-ordinated and structured way. That is why I am suggesting a working group headed by the Taoiseach is established immediately to ensure the right message is sent out at home and abroad about our openness to tourists. All those involved in the tourism industry, from workers to business owners, are dismayed that no specific group has been established to deal with the crisis in this sector. While I accept the expert group on foot and mouth, which is attached to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, has the primary objective of containing and preventing the disease, I do not see this as an excuse for not having a specific group to deal with the problems in the tourism sector. The pace with which we are dealing with the crisis in tourism is too slow. For example, attempts to fence off major tourist attractions from lands where animals are kept are still under way, despite the fact that the restrictions have been in place since March. As a result, these sites will be closed over the Easter period, which is generally accepted as the beginning of the busy season.
Another instance of the slow pace in dealing with the crisis in tourism was highlighted in correspondence to me from a tour operator. This operator contacted the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development on 2 April for advice on an activity. He was informed that his query would be dealt with by the expert group for consideration on 10 April. Effectively, he was left on hold for eight days and, consequently, he lost a big tour from America. These people were not prepared to wait eight days for an answer.
It bothers me that the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation is so opposed to making marketing funds directly available to the tourism industry which is prepared to do the work and provide matching funding. It is time the Taoiseach played a part in assisting our ailing tourism industry. He has managed to front some of the key developments in relation to sport, which come under the remit of the Minister, Deputy McDaid, and his Department. His involvement in the GAA grant and with Stadium Ireland compare starkly with the Taoiseach's entire lack of interest in the crisis facing the tourism industry which, I would like to remind him, is our largest growth industry.
I now call for a working group, headed by the Taoiseach, to help rebuild the ailing tourism industry. This group should be responsible for ensuring an accurate and up to date message about the fact that this country is open for tourists goes out abroad. This group should also work closely with Bord Fáilte and the industry to market this country. It should have a duty to compile a profile of the losses in the industry so that measures can immediately be put in place to minimise damage and save thousands of jobs. The Taoiseach and his Cabinet should have a role in direct marketing by visiting and promoting Ireland in the countries from much of our tourism trade emanates.
