As Senator Mullins mentioned, the CSO tourism figures for the first quarter of this year were issued earlier and they are most welcome. It is a positive message. Tourism is a key element of the Government's economic recovery strategy, which sets out ambitious targets for growth in overseas visitors. This will increase revenue and the number of jobs in the tourism sector. Visitor numbers for the first three months of this year are most encouraging with the number from France up 26%; Spain, 28%; and Italy, 36%. These are remarkable increases.

This trend is to be commended as these figures represent a wonderful start to 2015. It is a tosnú maith and it is the aim of the Government and Tourism Ireland that 2015 will be the best year ever for Irish tourism. There is no doubt but that this year has seen the best start to the tourism year since the days of the Celtic tiger. The growth to date this year in visitor numbers has been at the strongest rate in more than 15 years, which augurs well for the rest of the year. This year could well be a record year for tourism and the achievements made in this regard to date should be celebrated and acknowledged.

I share in the concern and sadness expressed in respect of Nepal and the terrible earthquake that occurred there. I commend the relief agencies, including Irish agencies, such as Concern and GOAL, which are on the ground and are helping speedily, in any way they can, to alleviate the suffering of those involved. There may be up to 10,000 casualties with 8 million people affected. It was an horrific event.

I also wish to congratulate Dr. Síofra O'Leary, who has been elected a judge of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. While people may not be aware of this, the Irish delegation last week voted en bloc for the appointment of Dr. O'Leary, who has a tremendous curriculum vitae and who is taking up that role as one of the 47 judges of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. As representatives of Ireland, we were delighted, when the recommendation came out, that the majority recommended her appointment. The entire assembly had a vote on this appointment and she received an overwhelming vote. She will take up her role shortly as a judge of the European Court of Human Rights and I extend best wishes to her on this appointment. At present she is working in Luxembourg and will head to Strasbourg to carry out a very important role. One of the most important roles of the Council of Europe is the Court of Human Rights. I am very pleased that a woman from Dublin has been appointed and has taken up that position.

Hear, hear.