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

As I pointed out, the Minister for Finance will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the reduction. We will know whether it is being passed on by visiting a cinema and so on to ensure that is the case. If it is not passed on, the reason for introducing the measure will no longer apply. The Minister has stated it will be monitored carefully and reviewed. It is important that all operators approach the reduction in the right spirit. It is meant to increase audiences, for example, which are declining, as many would say, because of cost and will I hope increase employment opportunities. If more people attend events and the theatre, for example, more workers will be needed to service them. What is at issue is the spirit in which the change will be implemented. If it is not implemented in the spirit intended, it may not be as effective as it should be. The Minister for Finance has made a clear commitment that the measure will be monitored. The same applies to the travel tax change if it does not work. The Government is committed to its reintroduction if the change does not benefit the taxpayer.

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