Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Ó Domhnaill and Mullen raised the right to assemble or have freedom of speech. I cannot answer for the hotels where the events have been cancelled. It is disappointing that people are prevented from holding meetings for a variety of reasons. Senator Ó Domhnaill raised the issues of the eighth amendment and of rape, which is a very sensitive matter that we must handle by working with the victims of rape in a very caring and sensitive manner. I am all for freedom of speech and assembly and I cannot answer for the hotels. In our own case, as a political party, a hotel cancelled an event that we were having. That is part of the life we live, unfortunately. Senator Mullen said that there is a need to have a respectful debate on any issue to allow for different viewpoints, in particular on the issue of the eighth amendment, which he referenced. That is about the language we use and the way we present arguments. That applies to all sides, whether in committee meetings, on the airwaves, in this Chamber or at public meetings.

On the point made by Senators Ruane and Noone about young people and magazines, it is equally important that we behave in a respectful manner on social media and do not drive people away from debate and encourage them to be involved in debate. Young people turn off in debates because of the language that is used. We should have that debate in a respectful, tolerant manner.

To reply to Senator Davitt, the VAT rate is one that the previous Government introduced to act as a catalyst to get the economy moving. The Restaurants Association of Ireland, RAI, has a lobby day today in advance of the budget. We should reflect upon the value of the 9% rate in the context of a post-Brexit scenario where we have seen a decline in tourists from the UK. What would happen if we got rid of or amended the 9% rate? Those involved in the hospitality sector also have a duty with regard to pricing, whether accommodation or menu prices. I think Senator Davitt will agree that he has seen an increase in prices of hotel rooms and menus and one wonders where the 9% VAT rate is going or who it is going to. We will have that debate in advance of the budget. I am confident that the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, will be prudent in his approach to the budget and I personally would like to see the VAT rate kept.

Senator Devine raised the issues of mental health and disability. We should invest. We must recognise that there is not a pot of gold under the rainbow-----