Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister cannot engage now in a debate on the budget. Many of us have met with vintners and rural publicans in the context of the ongoing Support Your Local campaign. I acknowledge that the imposition of additional taxes and charges was necessary when the economy was in dire straits. I also welcome the many initiatives taken by the Government over the past number of years in relation to job creation. However, the additional taxes introduced over the past few years are a hindrance on job creation and retention. There has been huge growth in the tourism area over the past number of years, largely because of the many initiatives taken by Government, including the Wild Atlantic Way and the reduction in VAT to 9%. These measures have had a positive affect. While I am aware of the issues around irresponsible consumption, businesses such as those I am speaking about - namely, restaurateurs, independent wine retailers and family-run pubs - promote responsible consumption in a social setting. Future reductions in taxes aside, which I would support, I hope that no new additional burden by way of taxes will be imposed on this sector.

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