Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the spirit of co-operation I am delighted to have the opportunity to respond to the Senator. As I outlined to the House in our debates on Committee Stage of the Bill, my officials have been engaging in a constructive manner with the Irish Hotels Federation regarding its concerns. Although I believe these concerns are addressed adequately in the legislation, I asked the federation to make a submission. It has made its submission and this is currently being legally examined from my end. My commitment to the House is that if I am in a position to do anything on Report Stage to address the federation's concerns, I will do so, while reiterating that I am confident that the legislation will not have the effect suggested by these concerns. In the spirit of goodwill and providing comfort and reassurance to people who have given of their own time to engage constructively, if it is possible to do anything on Report Stage - I am not yet in a position to indicate whether it will be possible - I am approaching the matter with a view to doing something.