Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have been impressed by the cases that have been put forward by both sides of the debate. The protocol on tax strategy group papers is that they are views of the Department rather than of the Minister. They inform choices I, as Minister, make. Clearly, I have also met representatives of the Irish hospitality and accommodation sectors who hold a diametrically opposing view. As a former Minister with responsibility for tourism, I am aware of why they hold those views. At this point, I cannot give the Deputy an indication of what I am planning to do because I am still in the throes of looking at what our likely expenditure is going to be next year and then deciding how we pay for it. If I begin to comment on any tax measure here today, we will not have a budget.