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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Transport, tourism and VAT

Summary

The Leader responds to calls for the Transport Minister to attend, says he would welcome that, and defends the 9% hospitality VAT rate as a job-creating measure.

Senators McFadden and Humphreys raised the issue of transport and the need to have the Minister come to the House regarding issues around transport and tourism. I have not got the answer for Senator McFadden regarding the omission or inclusion of the tourism promotion. What is important is that there is an overarching policy and I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House.

The 9% VAT rate is a very important piece that the last Government introduced as a catalyst for job creation and to help the economy in the hospitality sector. Those who argue for its removal should remember what the 9% has done and is doing, not just in the hospitality sector, but across a variety of hairdressers, shops, newsagents, coffee shops and small businesses employing people.

Comment on this

Hotel rooms do not need it.

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I accept that point.

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That is what we argued for in Dublin.

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I accept that point that there is a need for those in the hotel industry to reflect upon their pricing policy.

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