Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are always problems associated with rates and commercial premises. In terms of retail outlets, everyone should be aware of the double digit increases in online retail sales. Government has set out a series of assistances for retailers, including opportunities to go online with assistance from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin mentioned increases in rents. Those may be related to the issue but they have nothing to do with the legislation itself. The heads of the Bill are due to be brought before Government next month and will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny.

In respect of the comments about the hospitality sector, the Government abolished the travel tax, reduced VAT from 13.5% to 9% and maintained the VAT rate at that lower level through the last three or four budgets. The Government has worked with the agencies for Norwegian Air to fly new routes from four airports to the United States. The number of new outlets flying into Ireland for the hospitality sector has greatly increased over recent years. Everyone involved in the hospitality sector can avail of various opportunities. In particular, I mention the Wild Atlantic Way, the midlands region and Ireland's Ancient East, which offer ideal opportunities to the hospitality sector.

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