Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy. First, I believe there should be engagement between the relevant Oireachtas committee and myself or the Minister, Deputy McGrath, or both, regarding the submission to the recovery and resilience fund, but I do not believe it should be the subject of a resolution from the Dáil. It is a matter for the Government to decide on what our application is going to be and we have to engage with the Commission on that. I believe it is appropriate that we consult with the Dáil and an Oireachtas committee on that matter, but I do not believe it appropriate that the process should be subject to a Dáil resolution.

On the role of country-specific recommendations, the European Commission has made reference to its views relating to tax planning and the Irish planning. When I am dealing with this matter in the context of the recovery and resilience facility or, indeed, any other engagement that I have with the European Commission, I will make reference to the roadmap on corporate tax reform that I published several weeks ago. I will use that as the basis for engagement that I have with the Commission.

On the issue of the standard rate of VAT, it is my intention that it will go back up to its original rate at the end of the planned period, but it is also the case that the rate of VAT for the hospitality and services sector is due to continue until the end of this year. When we made the original decision regarding the standard rate of VAT, there was a particular need to support retailers at a time of great difficulty. We have now launched the Covid restrictions support scheme, CRSS, which is providing additional support to that part of the economy.