Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This exhibition could travel around the whole country, but there is a problem. I ask that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation be invited to come to the Seanad to establish whether certain things could be done for the craft industry. First, in the year of the Gathering, could the rate of VAT be reduced during the summer months for this export-led industry? Second, could the JobBridge scheme be extended to include sole traders? Most of those involved in the craft industry are sole traders. Through the JobBridge scheme, they could train and employ people who would have a craft at the end of nine months. This is something we should consider strongly.