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

On behalf of restaurants, tourist accommodation, cinemas, theatres, museums, historic houses, open farms, amusement parks, hairdressers and producers of certain printed matter, I welcome this measure even though it is too little, too late. Since the VAT rate was increased from 9% to 13.5%, I, on behalf of those who have lobbied me, together with other Deputies have been continuously seeking to have it reduced. It is ironic that it is now being reduced at a time when the majority of these fine businesses have their doors closed. The Government could have gone further but having said that, I welcome the fact that it recognises the crisis in this sector and acknowledges the need for this support. This reduction has been sought by the vintners, the Irish Hotels Federation and all of those involved in the hospitality sector. However, the Government must start listening to the lobby groups that lobbied for this cut in the past and must be more proactive rather than reactive.

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