Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will be interested to see if that economic analysis and impact assessment on whether this rate will go back up will be published before a decision is taken. The Taoiseach remarked this month that it would be possible to extend the reduction while excluding hotels. Is that on the cards? Is there potential for that? It would also have to exclude all holiday accommodation such as bed and breakfast accommodation, guest houses and campsites. Does the Minister believe that is fair, particularly given the impact it would have on more rural and less lucrative markets? Is this option under consideration?

As I said, there are swings and roundabouts with regard to this. The cost-of-living crisis is dampening demand and higher energy costs are impacting on the sector. We also have staffing issues and so forth. There are, however, other positives in terms of restrictions being lifted. Can I get an understanding from the Minister regarding the cost or economic impact assessment for 2023, which he said is under way? Will such an assessment be published by the Department? Will he answer the question about the exclusion of hotel accommodation?

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