Tourism costs and VAT
The Leader criticises rising hotel prices despite the reduced 9.5% VAT rate and promises a debate with the Tourism Minister; Senators welcome the position.
In tandem with that, there is the important point that the rising cost of hotel rooms in this city and other parts of the country will detract from all the good work being done. The 9.5% VAT rate was introduced to incentivise the tourism industry. Tourist numbers have gone up and it does not endear the travel or the hotel industry to anybody that the cost of hotel rooms is increasing. It makes no sense. I appeal to the tourism industry in that regard. I will bring the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House at the earliest time that is convenient for a discussion on the issue.
Labhair na Seanadóirí Ó Clochartaigh agus Ó Domhnaill mar gheall ar chúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta. Bhí mé ag caint leis an Aire Stáit nua, an Teachta Kyne. Tá suim mhór aige teacht isteach sa Teach seo chun cúrsaí Gaeltachta agus ár dteanga dúchais a phlé. Tá súil agam go mbeidh a leithéid de díospóireacht againn roimh na laethanta saoire. I hope we will have a debate before the summer holidays on the Irish language and cursaí Gaeltachta. I applaud the Senators for raising the issue.
