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

I am disappointed hoteliers would say that. The reduction has not yet been implemented, but if that is the spirit in which it is being taken, I am disappointed. Hoteliers and restaurateurs welcomed the reduction when it was announced in press releases by their representative organisations, but if that is the attitude that will be taken to it, it will be reviewed quickly. It is intended to drive consumer demand to get more people to use hotels. Hotel prices in Dublin and throughout the country are competitive. I acknowledge that a large number of hotels are hanging in, but this is meant to act as a stimulus. The number of additional jobs that could be generated by this initiative has not been quantified, but if there is more demand, employers will have to take on more staff to provide a service to satisfy demand. I hopefully the measure will have a positive effect in reducing the number on the live register and providing necessary jobs all over the country. Tourism has an impact on every part of the country, which is a positive aspect of the industry.

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