I support the call made by my colleagues for a debate on tourism. I acknowledge the achievements of tourism and the number of jobs created. In doing so I acknowledge the voluntary contribution of a total of 850 local communities, north, south, east and west, and the part they have played which at times is not recognised. In making their towns and villages better places in which to live and better places for visitors to visit and stay, they have created hundreds of jobs throughout the country.

I can instance my home town of Carlingford-----

That is a village.

-----where in excess of 400 jobs have been created by voluntary organisations that have worked for the betterment of their community. There would be great celebrations in any town or village on hearing an announcement of 400 jobs. One of the Senators instanced his county of Clare and the Loop Head peninsula. What that community has done has been recognised worldwide and the area has been listed as one of the top 100 green areas in the country. The scheme was initiated by Gabriel Keating who is one of our county council colleagues in County Clare. He used his own initiative, but he was helped by local communities in the region. I cannot emphasise enough the valuable work done by voluntary organisations. Some of them have worked for the entire winter to make their towns and villages beautiful, primarily for their own benefit but also to attract visitors. I seek a debate on the voluntary sector when again I will acknowledge the contribution made by volunteers.