Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The Government has shown schizophrenic tendencies in respect of VAT. In May it tried to create an aura in respect of job creation. It told us that the VAT reduction on the backs of private pensioners would create a flood of jobs in the tourism sector and help to get the economy going again. It made passionate pleas to get the people behind it. Now it is increasing VAT, seemingly in the belief this will have no impact on economic activity. Clearly, it has no understanding of the impact of a VAT reduction or increase on the domestic economy.

The Government has been priding itself on what it has done for tourism. The budget shows it has no concept of what is involved in that regard. The Government has no concrete proposals to attract tourists to Ireland. The VAT decrease had no impact. This increase will have a considerable-----

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