A value-for-money restaurant guide will be "the front line" in the battle to challenge critics of the hospitality sector, according to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.
At the launch of the 2004/2005 Value Menu Restaurant Guide in Dublin yesterday, Mr O'Donoghue said it was time to re-evaluate the State's competitiveness in the world marketplace.
Some 325 restaurants across the country are now offering lunch and dinner menus in three prices ranges: up to €15, up to €25 and up to €35. Now in its second year, the guide has expanded by more than 50 per cent. These menus will typically cover two courses, a main course with starter or dessert.
This year a "value wine list" has been added. This is supported by major wine distributors in Ireland which have cut their trade prices to participating restaurants so they can offer wines in three price ranges: up to €15, up to €20 and up to €25.
The guide "should be the front line in the fight back against those who level criticism at the industry for not delivering value for money", Mr O'Donoghue said.
"We've heard a lot of comment this year about prices and value for money in the Irish tourism and hospitality industry. Some of the criticism is justified but much of it is not.
"Ireland is not a cheap holiday destination or indeed a cheap location to do business. But when we get it right, Ireland can and does offer value for money."
The restaurants involved in the guide were run by "people who are fed up with image of rip-off Ireland", according to Mr Aidan MacManus, president of the Restaurants' Association of Ireland, which produced the guide with the Irish Hotels' Federation.
Those involved in the restaurant industry knew all about high prices, with restaurateurs struggling to deal with VAT rates, duty, waste charges and insurance, he said.
Value menu scheme: examples
Bella Bistro, Thomas Street, Limerick
Value lunch menu - €20
Starters: Caprese salad or garlic mushrooms.
Mains: Tagliatelle de sera or pizza of your choice.
Tea, coffee or cappuccino.
Jaipur, South Great George's Street, Dublin
Two-course menu - €20
Three-course menu - €25
Available 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Starters: Mixed starter platter.
Mains: Goan prawn curry, Murgh Madras, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Roganjosh, Lamb Korma or vegetarian special.
Dessert: Kulfi, ice cream or sorbet.
Wineport Lodge, Glasson, Athlone
Two-course menu - €29.50
Three-course menu - €39.50
Starters: Home-made soup, steamed fresh mussels, crispy mozzarella dim sum, or calvados and chicken liver parfait. Mains: Braised loin of smoked bacon, lemon sole tempura, baked brie tart, fresh tagliatelle pasta.
Dessert: from dessert trolley.
King Sitric, Howth, Co Dublin (Monday to Thursday)
Two-course meal and coffee - €30
Three-course meal and coffee - €35
Starters: Three rock oysters, Irish forest mushrooms with garlic butter or soup of the day.
Mains: Grilled scallops on a bed of crab mash, mini King Sitric fish grill, or loin of pork schnitzel.
Dessert: Meringue Sitric, Banana and ginger creme brulee or warm toffee and date pudding.