Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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We discussed the 9% VAT rate earlier. Obviously, we would have a reasonable estimate of what that costs us. Does Professor Barrett see any merit in a proposal to remove that, go back to the earlier rate and hypothecate the money for the south west, the west, the north west and the midlands - the territories outside the mid-east? Does Professor Barrett see any merit in that type of taxation, whereby we would deliberately take a pot of money and put it into hostelries, hotels and so forth in some shape or form outside the Dublin region? It was pointed out earlier that the Dublin region has the highest hotel prices in Europe, or was it the world? The prices are incredible at different times.

My final point is very specific. Does Professor Barrett see merit in responding to the desperate cries of the higher education sector for more funding, in view of their records of efficiency over the years? I thank the witnesses for informing us about the ESRI's papers on a variety of subjects, which are very helpful to Deputies.