Hotel prices and VAT
Deputy Eugene Murphy complained that hotel prices in Dublin were excessive, arguing taxpayers were being ripped off and asking for action on the industry. The Tánaiste said reduced VAT benefits should be passed on to consumers and undertook to have the line Minister speak with the Irish Hotels Federation.
We were all very happy when the 9% VAT rate was retained for the hotel industry. All of us supported it.
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We did not support it.
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Bhí oíche scraicearachta ann aréir i mBaile Átha Cliath, and you have a good command of the Irish language.
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Regarding hotels, last night was a rip-off night in Dublin city. I will quickly outline my situation, and it applies to more people. I found that my usual accommodation was booked out.
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I went to several other hotels and in every case the price had increased by €60 or €70. I was heading for home, 150 km away, when, fortunately, I got bed and breakfast accommodation on St. Stephen's Green. The taxpayer was ripped off because the taxpayer pays for our accommodation. That is not good enough. I want the 9% tax rate retained but I want-----
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-----the Minister and the Government to investigate that and I want a clear message sent to the hotel industry. I was told that because a major conference was coming up-----
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-----the prices had increased. That is not good enough and it is no way to sell Ireland.
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We cannot deal with Members' overnight accommodation. The Tánaiste might deal with the generality-----
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I am making a very important point.
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Numerous Government spokespeople have made it clear that in the context of reduced VAT rates we expect that the industry will pass that benefit on to customers and consumers. I will ask Deputy Brendan Griffin, who is the line Minister, to talk to the Irish Hotels Federation about that.