James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

291. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 398 of 5 February 2025 and 183 of 20 February 2025, his views in respect of a tourism accommodation levy in light of the Minister for Finance’s reply that such a levy, if introduced, would be collected at a local level, by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8994/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My views in relation to a tourism accommodation levy, in the context of the recommendation in the Dublin City Taskforce report, are broadly similar to those outlined by my Ministerial colleagues in their recent replies to the parliamentary questions referred. My Department is participating in a working group of senior officials from across Government, under the leadership of the Department of the Taoiseach, which is currently considering the Taskforce’s recommendations.

I agree that there is a wide range of issues which call for close examination prior to consideration of such a levy, including: whether the levy should apply to international or domestic visitors or both and; the geographic application of such a levy, whether it be to Dublin only, or to enable all local authorities to decide whether to apply such a levy. Likewise, the matters of whether a local or central collection mechanism would be appropriate and whether the expenditure of revenue raised from such a levy should be restricted to specific purposes will require detailed consideration. The Revenue Commissioners obviously have important experience that they can contribute to ensure that any future collection system is as cost effective, administratively efficient and easily enforceable as possible.

I look forward to engaging on this important issue across Government in advance of any proposal being finalised.