Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think the Deputy indulged in some selective history-making there. The VAT rate on tourism and hospitality was 13.5% for a very long time and was reduced to 9% by a Fine Gael-led Government on a temporary basis to get the tourism and hospitality sector going again.

In the year in which tourism reached a record high, it reverted to the previous rate of 13.5%. Those are the facts.

We are working on the July stimulus package and considering all matters. We know that the tourism and hospitality sector, including hotels and restaurants around the country, have been badly hit by this crisis. In many ways, it was the sector that was hit first and worst and will be affected for the longest, along with arts, entertainment and leisure. No decisions have been made yet but we are considering actions that will assist that sector to reopen, stay open and return to profit.

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