Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will do my best, but this is an important subject. In the past few weeks and months I have certainly been contacted by many people who are working in the sector and who tonight have been left reeling by the decision to provide for a massive increase from 9% to 13.5%. It will hit the most vulnerable because it is the smaller businesses involved in the tourism and hospitality sector which will be most adversely affected. They have been contacting me all evening to state they cannot believe the Government would do this. I must say to the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Brendan Griffin, a colleague of mine from County Kerry who will be aware since he entered politics that I never criticise if I do not have, that it is ironic that a Minister with responsibility for tourism who comes from County Kerry can agree to this measure. It is ironic that he has agreed to vote in favour of it tonight and hurt small business people on the Ring of Kerry who, as he knows every bit as much as I do, work so hard to keep their doors open. They are creating employment in local areas. I am not talking about big business but about small hotels, guest houses and restaurants. I am talking about people who are trying to keep their doors open. Tonight they are fearful that this massive increase will prove detrimental to them. That is why I am so disappointed that it is being allowed to happen.

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