I am concerned about the threat to our national tourism golf product from AIB Merchant Services because of its attempt to introduce its new merchant terminal policy. I am given to understand AIB now wants to charge the people concerned who have been in business for years between €20,000 and €75,000 to retain their merchant terminal machines. As we know, there is already a charge of up to 2% on each transaction processed. It is claimed this new charge is being claimed to cover potential contingent liability. Presumably, the existing charge for each transaction has been covering this all along. The new proposal is a change to the ground rules and is being made unilaterally. This is very unfair.

It is all operated from the United Kingdom.

I did not know that. These merchants are responsible for approximately 80,000 visitors to our shores annually and an estimated consumer spend of €110 million. I call for a withdrawal of this proposal immediately and consultation on the issue. We need to nurture tourism. Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú spoke about The Gathering which is very important for us this year, as are the events that will surround St. Patrick's Day. I am sure that in connection with The Gathering, the Leader will have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, in the House shortly. Every aspect of tourism is important and must be nurtured and we are trying to nurture it in these difficult recessionary times. Every visitor and organisation is important, including all the organisations involved in international golf. I call on the Leader to arrange a debate soon with the Minister on this issue. I will write to him myself today about it.