Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Everything we do must have job creation at its core. One of the greatest failures of recent years, as Senator Burke rightly said, was the building of hotels throughout the four provinces. How many are idle? What are they being used for? How much has the Exchequer forgone in tax reliefs? Every proposition made by Government Members has supported the recommendation. As Senator O'Toole rightly said, it makes common sense. The Minister in preparing the budget and the Bill was given briefings, supporting documentation and advice. As Senator O'Toole said, that should also be provided for Members.

The recommendation seeks a cost-benefit analysis. What is wrong with that? How many hotels dotting the landscape are empty and idle? Where is all the money and the jobs gone? One hotel in Cork city is being used as a centre for asylum seekers.