Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I formally second the proposition made by my colleague, Senator Butler, for an education campaign coupled with free blood tests for type 2 diabetes. He set out his case very well and I will not repeat his arguments. He set out a number of merits. In addition, a free blood test could diagnose other conditions that might be dealt with quickly and thus reduce the health bill. The Senator's proposition is radical and valuable. It could save an enormous amount of money for the health services and achieve a lot of good and improve the quality of life for people. I urge the Leader to take this on as a serious proposition.

I wish to raise a crucially important issue for the entire country but very specifically for my area of Cavan-Monaghan. A debate has developed in the media and in certain quarters among commentators to reverse the reduced rate of VAT in the hospitality or tourism sector.The reduction of the VAT rate from 13% to 9% was one of the most radical and successful initiative of the previous Government. It had huge implications for job creation and job maintenance. With the fall in sterling following Brexit, the number of UK visitors to my area of Cavan-Monaghan will radically reduce. There is empirical evidence to support the argument that the numbers are reducing. This is why the cushion of the lower VAT rate is very important and why I want to maintain it.

Tourism jobs are vital in my area. The agricultural sector in my area could face huge threats following Brexit. It is for that reason that maintaining tourism jobs is crucial. I appeal to the Leader for a pre-budget debate on the hospitality sector and the need for this VAT rate. I agree with those who are annoyed by the exorbitant hotel rates in Dublin. They are correct. It is an abuse that we must find another way of dealing with but it is not a reason to dislocate jobs in my community.