Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister's response. The VAT cut will have two effects. First, it will stimulate the creation of new jobs in the sector and, second, it will attract more tourists with prices being reduced to reflect the reduced VAT rate. How will the Minister monitor the position from 1 July? Has the Government set a target for the number of jobs that the VAT reduction will create in the hospitality sector? How will these effects be assessed? The Minister said he would assess them until the end of 2012. What will be his barometer in the context of whether he reviews, retains or abolishes the measure?

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