Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

They are cars leased by rental companies. They are bought by the garage and let to fleet rental companies. Effectively, these firms will let out the car over the summer season and then return it to the garage which will put it on the forecourt for sale. Those cars will be competing with new cars and they will not take the risk that they will be unable to sell the cars. There is a function to the amendment and it is about helping the tourism industry. The Minister should remember that the discussion of fleet hire cars is effectively about exports and about money coming into the county.

My understanding is this policy is in place in Germany and we compete with Germany for tourists. Everyone books holidays on-line now and car hire is a key feature of that process. The Minister should take the amendments on board. We are discussing how to boost the tourism industry. The theme of tonight is that we must think outside the box and be cognisant of entrepreneurial culture. We must consider the tourism industry and consider the net effects not only the particular once-off effects. We must consider the cumulative effects in terms of ensuring hotels are full. PAYE, VAT and corporation tax comes to the Exchequer from hotels and there is a cumulative effect. I call for a positive response from the Minister as the debate reaches its conclusion and for him to consider taking on board another amendment.

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