THE GATHERING 2013, the largest ever tourism scheme to be run in this State, has come under fire from Hollywood actor Gabriel Byrne.
Branding the initiative a scam, the former cultural ambassador accused Ireland of using its diaspora for money and to boost tourism numbers.
However, the Government has billed the series of events as a positive move as it hopes to encourage hundreds of thousands of people who claim Irish ancestry to visit their homeland over the next year. According to organisers, communities across the island will “showcase and share the very best of Irish culture, tradition, business, sport, fighting spirit and the uniquely Irish sense of fun” through various events such as clan gatherings and festivals.
To date, a budget of €5 million has been allocated to the project.
What do you think? Is The Gathering 2013 a good idea?
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