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

The local improvement scheme is under the control of the Minister for Rural and Community Development. I think she allocated €12 million or €15 million to local authorities for that scheme in the past couple of days. I know it is a very important scheme for resurfacing and improving laneways across rural Ireland, as is the case in Dublin. It does operate in Dublin. It is open to local authorities to use their own resources from commercial rates, property tax and other sources to invest in local and regional roads.

The VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector is due to go up from 9% to 13.5% on 28 February. No decision has been made on extending that. I will be in UHL on Friday. I look forward to the visit and hope the Deputy will be able to accompany me.

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