Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Minister does not have to preach to me about the importance of the industry. I accept how important it is to showcase Ireland, for its jobs and as a foreign exchange earner. It is also important to the rural economy. This year, a figure of €69 million has been allocated in the budget. The Minister is on record as saying it will come from the increase in taxation. The levy increased from 1% to 2%.

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