Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Will the Minister accept that if Government sets out on a course and indicates a certain provision will be made for three years, that it would be entirely wrong to cut that provision after only two years? Will he further accept that his comments, while well meaning, do not provide the type of certainty which people in this industry need. Much of the tourism sector depends on advanced bookings and on putting in place a strategy for the years ahead. The jobs initiative provided certainty in terms of confirming the Government would provide a particular support to the industry for a three year period, in respect of which the revenue was identified, namely, the raid on the pension fund. The Minister now appears to be raising some doubts about whether the reduction will remain in place for 2013. Perhaps he will confirm that he expects that the Government will continue on the course set out in the jobs initiative.

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