James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

For clarity, I want to return to one of the matters that was raised by Ms Barry. I very specifically mentioned the Dublin hotels and emphasised them as a group, that consideration was being given to exclude them from the reduced VAT rate because of their behaviour. It was not the restaurant sector or the rest of the hospitality sector, because as Ms Barry rightly pointed out, that sector is benefitting from the rate and is creating job and is significantly supported by the Government. I must also dispute remarks by another speaker in respect of insurance costs. It does not explain the sudden hike in the cost of a hotel room when an all-Ireland final, an international soccer match or an international conference are being held.