Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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230. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is working with the Department of Finance to retain the current 9% VAT rate in the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28265/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I am very conscious that the tourism and hospitality industry would like to see the rate continued through 2014 and beyond. I am also conscious that it has been estimated by the Department of Finance that the VAT reduction costs the Exchequer €350 million a year. In that context, I am supportive of retaining a reduced rate, but that can only be justified on the basis of clear evidence of the impact of the reduction.

As the Deputy is aware, taxation policy is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance.