Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am very concerned about what the Minister just said. I say that because I have been in premises and spoken with hoteliers and restaurateurs. They opened up their books to me in some cases. They are expecting a reduction to 9%. They are talking to their accountants and figuring whether they can hang on. They are also talking in some cases to their bank managers. The Government was saying it would be 9%. It is not clear now whether it will be 9%. Is there a reason the Minister is not saying what everybody else said after the programme for Government was agreed? The number is not in the programme for Government. That is why I am asking the Minister the question. Can he give any comfort to people expecting a 9% rate and engaging with their bank managers and accountants on that basis that this will be the rate?

There are others, outside of the accommodation sector, such as the hospitality sector, the events industry, cinemas and so on, who were looking for this. Can the Minister clarify whether this will apply to them or is he of the view that it relates solely to hotels and catering?

I ask the question for the third time: will this take effect on budget night or on 1 January? This is important information for businesses thinking of whether they can hang on.

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