Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

The jobs initiative is very important in this area. Pay related social insurance and value added tax are major issues in paying staff at cultural and tourism attractions. I am convinced that the changes in PRSI and VAT will encourage more people to take on staff in cultural institutions and cultural attractions throughout the country. I can see the jobs initiative having a direct effect on the number of people employed in culture, attending cultural events and coming into the country.

If the travel tax issue is addressed this will bring more people into the country, as Mr. Michael O'Leary and others have promised. I hope these people will support our cultural institutions and attractions throughout the country.

What was proposed yesterday is positive with regard to cultural attractions and the arts. The arts should benefit from the initiative.

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