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

I thank the Regional Group too. First of all, one size does not fit all. Increasing the VAT for restaurants, pubs and some hospitality sectors is not fair. Many of them are crying like they never cried before, especially in places like Killarney, where footfall is falling because of an increased number of beds in hotels in that sector being handed over to asylum seekers and refugees. Some 36% of the bed nights have gone to those. Places like Killarney have to be treated specially to reduce the VAT to 9% and do something about the rates. The other sector that I am very worried about is small and medium-sized enterprises. It is grand to afford the employees extra sick days. I believe it has been five up to now and it will be ten next year, but how will the employers keep going? Yes, I was an employer myself. People have to try to pay fellows on Friday evening. The Government cannot bring in laws that will help one and crucify the other. Friday evening comes very quick if you have people to pay and families depending on you. The Minister of State has to do something about that.

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