Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are pumping €620 million of our hard-earned cash into the pockets of hoteliers and we are pumping an additional God knows how many millions of euro into their pockets by paying family income supplement. We are subsidising this industry.

I have no doubt whatsoever that tourism is key to the Irish economy. I want to see the further education sector develop tourism courses. I want to see greater training for tourism. However, we are still back in the 1960s when it comes to treating our staff. A lack of staff? They will be there if they are paid. When interviewing managers, the Marriott hotel group used to ask them which they would prioritise: profit for the hotel, greater efficiency in the running of the hotel, or a contented staff. The person who got the job always answered "contented staff", for if one's staff are happy one's hotel will be efficient and will be profitable. Ireland's tourist industry is creeping and crawling with casualisation. It is not good enough that people do not know how many hours work they will have next week.

I understand the Leas-Chathaoirleach is under pressure for time. I appreciate being given time to speak. I appreciate what the Minister pointed out and the work that has been done in tourism. I compliment him for what he is doing. Drive on, Minister. However, as I think he has said, the 9% rate needs to be kept under review. Perhaps we might get a national survey to complement the survey done by Sinn Féin, which is an excellent piece of work.