Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will continue. I greatly appreciate the debate, which has been very useful, and it is great to have the Minister here. I am especially grateful to the stakeholders who have engaged with the committee in examining the topic. It is of huge benefit to our proceedings to have such frank discussions around the industry. I also thank the union groups and those in academia who have campaigned tirelessly to have workers’ voices heard. I commend organisations such as the IHF and RAI, which, along with others, campaigned determinedly for the 9% VAT rate to be retained. Senator Casey is correct that we need to have that broader discussion. It is not fair to have them coming back again consistently, which creates a precariousness in the industry for those who are trying to run and own businesses.

I know the Cathaoirleach wants me to finish up but I have to respond.