Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

My main concern and priority as Minister is that last year cannot be seen as a true reflection. It was a very successful year for tourism. It was much better than we imagined but it cannot be seen as the baseline. I am conscious, having met with industry representatives, including the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and from co-chairing a meeting of the hospitality and tourism forum last week, that there are concerns about what 2023 will look like and the reality of the immense cost of living and cost of maintaining businesses for hotels.

As regards the VAT rate, we have to remain competitive to attract tourists from other EU countries. That is why I seek that VAT rate. However, as I said, this will be a whole-of-government approach. It may be something I am seeking but we have to look at the wider supports.