Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the 9% VAT rate in the hospitality sector in the context of next week's budget. We have yet to see evidence of a recovery in either the hospitality or tourism sectors post pandemic. The Government demonstrated its mettle by delivering unprecedented supports during Covid to protect jobs. We all know about the summer price hikes and increases in hotel rates in Dublin but Dublin is certainly not Ireland. Protection of the 9% VAT rate is about jobs in rural and regional Ireland outside of Dublin and city centres. The sector does not just comprise hotels but also cafés, restaurants and pubs. I appeal to the Tánaiste and Members within the Government who frame the budget to support the people who provide employment in our regions, particularly those in the hospitality sector.

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