Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

Is the Minister considering developing heritage-based tourism? Many foreign visitors come here for our striking landscapes, rich history and cultural heritage. Developing this sector makes perfect sense when one considers that for every €1 spent by the Heritage Council, the tourism sector receives €4.40 through increased tourism revenues. Does the Minister agree that developing heritage-based tourism would boost employment and that this, in turn, has the potential to provide an ongoing stream of sustainable income for cities and towns nationwide? Does he plan to keep the VAT rate in the hospitality sector at its current level which is providing a major boost to restaurants?

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