Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)

I rise to represent the hospitality sector, specifically in the west of Ireland, members of which approached me recently about the increased cost of business and the reduction in margins. It is lucky that in the past ten days, the weather has brought increased footfall and has had people out using facilities regularly. As we are all aware, however, the climate in Ireland is not predictable. It could be July or August when it is a much quieter time. The hospitality sector is a big employer in and supporter of our rural economies. I would like this House to have a debate about the reintroduction of the 9% VAT rate to support our hospitality sector. As stated, it is a big employer.

We had a debate about further and higher education yesterday. The hospitality sector supports the students who are going through further and higher education. My party and the Government have been very supportive of business in general. The Acting Leader will know of the impact of the Department of Rural and Community Development and what it has spent on amenities and services over the years in rural Ireland. The hospitality sector ensures that the people in question stay in rural areas and it revitalises and supports rural economies. The 9% VAT rate is a deal breaker that we must discuss before budget 2025.