Reform in Govt spending needed for tourism and sport
Issued : Saturday 28 March, 2009
I would like to thank the speakers for their motions and allowing me the opportunity to speak on these important issues.
We desperately need serious reform in both tourism and sport when it comes to Government spending. People seriously underestimate the importance of Tourism to the Irish economy. Others believe that Government has no business supporting sport, or that in times of economic crisis we cannot afford to support it. But a Government has to look at more than balancing the books; it has to look at creating a society where everyone irrespective of where they live, their level of education or their social status has the opportunity to engage in social, economic and community activities.
All sports stars have to start somewhere. Winners in sport do not suddenly emerge fully formed onto the world stage- they start in the amateur, community and youth leagues and clubs. All age groups must be catered for. All socioeconomic groups must be included equally. The Sports Capital Programme has been shown not to significantly increase participation. This programme is reminiscent of, to borrow an American phrase, pork barrel spending. It is also part funded by receipts from the National Lottery - this is supposed to be ring fenced for investment in this area, yet there will be no new programme in 2009- so where is this money gone.
Future spending on sport should be reviewed. Multi sport facilities should be the way forward - these are the best for the community and for the state. Focusing investment on increasing participation and identifying and supporting the elite athletes across successful disciplines whilst simultaneously offering and encouraging everyone to participate has to be addressed.
It is no secret that the Tourism sector is facing a seriously tough year. Tourism provides around 250,000 jobs, accounts for roughly 4% of GDP or around €6.5 billion towards the Irish economy annually. With the global downturn in foreign travel we must vigorously promote internal tourism. How many people know that Hotel prices fell by 17% in the 4th quarter of last year? Why would almost 8 million foreigners visit Ireland in 2007 except for the fact that we have an amazing country with so much to see and do?
Tourism got €160 million in Budget 2009. Ireland is perhaps the only country where we merged two bodies - Bord Failte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and got 3 organisations! If we were to merge Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland- we can then redirect money into development and marketing whilst simultaneously making these organisations more efficient. How can we justify giving Tourism Ireland €19.5 million for 156 staff, which works out at €124,000 per employee and in addition provide €46 million for marketing.
Reform of Government spending and support will lead to respect in both sport and tourism. Fianna Fail are not particularly enamoured by the reforming system which work to the benefit of their friends across the country. Reform of state support with rigorous controls in place to ensure that public good is the highest priority will result in Ireland continuing to produce Padraig Harringtons, Dessie Dolans, it will result in Clonmacnoise and the Dublin Writers Museum taking a place on the National and Global conscience as areas of historic importance and reasons to visit Ireland in themselves alone.
