Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I take this opportunity to compliment the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, who two years ago was brave enough to reduce the VAT rate, from 13.5% to 9%. People forget that in those very serious economic times he had the vision and foresight to do so.

I hear people talking and I have met the hospitality sector. I have met the publicans and the hoteliers and, of course, they all want the VAT rate to be left at 9%. I have full confidence in Deputy Noonan. He will do right by this sector. He did so in the past. As I stated, the rate came down, from 13.5% to 9%, when people were only looking for a rate of 11% or 12%. I compliment him on that. From that, we have created more than 10,000 new jobs. I would be hopeful that Deputy Noonan will be in a position to leave it at 9%, but that is a matter for himself.

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