Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister's commitment to having some commentary on the impact of this initiative in the pre-budget outlook, particularly of the VAT reduction. This is important. I had intended to ask the Minister what internal reporting mechanisms he would have to assess this on an ongoing basis. Whatever about publishing formal reports, I am sure the Department will assess the impact of this measure on an ongoing basis and examine whether it is being passed on to the end consumer, which is the key issue. When can we hope to have the first indication of any such impact assessment?

On the basis of the Minister's commitment to having some commentary on the impact to date of the measures, particularly that of the VAT reduction, in the pre-budget outlook, I am happy to withdrew the amendment.

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