Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators McFadden and Humphreys raised the issue of transport and the need to have the Minister come to the House regarding issues around transport and tourism. I have not got the answer for Senator McFadden regarding the omission or inclusion of the tourism promotion. What is important is that there is an overarching policy and I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House.

The 9% VAT rate is a very important piece that the last Government introduced as a catalyst for job creation and to help the economy in the hospitality sector. Those who argue for its removal should remember what the 9% has done and is doing, not just in the hospitality sector, but across a variety of hairdressers, shops, newsagents, coffee shops and small businesses employing people.