I support the call for the Minister, Deputy Noonan, to come to the House to discuss the very important issue of the possibility of the 9% VAT rate going back to 13%. It has been a great year for tourism, given the success of The Gathering and, as other Senators have noted, some 9,000 jobs created. I would be fearful in this regard. Many businesses have invested substantial amounts in their premises and in creating jobs in the last couple of years. It would be a retrograde step for tourism and would damage the tourism product.

I met a family recently who spent four or five days on the famous Ring of Kerry, where I have never been in my life. I would like to know how a young woman could be charged €3.40 for a glass of tap water in a famous hotel on the Ring of Kerry.

That is a commercial decision, Senator.

I would hate to see VAT going up to 13%, which would make it nearer €4 for a glass of water.