I welcome the announcement by Ryanair that it plans to bring an additional 500,000 passengers through Dublin Airport. With the 300,000 passengers it has committed to bring through Shannon Airport and the 200,000 it plans to bring through other airports, this will mean that Michael O'Leary's airline will bring more than 1 million additional passengers into Ireland in 2014. This is proof that the micro-management of the tourism sector under the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is working.

That is what the banks need.

The Gathering has been a remarkable success. Small events and festivals have flourished the length and breadth of the country and contributed in no small way to attracting additional tourists. The Gathering will also have an impact in 2014 because the word spread throughout the world that Ireland was a place to visit. Michael O'Leary has to be commended for delivering an additional 1 million passengers. He has put his money where his mouth is. He was forthright in calling for the abolition of the airport travel tax and has delivered on passenger numbers. I look forward to welcoming a significant proportion of the additional passengers to County Clare, where I can guarantee them they will have a pleasant and enjoyable stay for several days. We have numerous attractions that will offer them fond memories and good times.