Tourism industry welcomes Budget

The tourism industry has said it is grateful that marketing spend will be at 2009 levels next year, so that campaigns can continue to increase visitor numbers into Ireland.

The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) said in a statement that, while "it is a painful Budget overall, both for businesses and for individuals, it is a necessary first step.

"Maintaining the current public sector costs and pay levels through increased taxation and excessive borrowing was never a viable option."