Senator Jimmy Harte has said that the 9% VAT rate on the tourism sector must be maintained.
Senator Jimmy Harte
“The 9 % VAT rate has been successful and in many counties such as Donegal we depend on tourism to generate employment. The past few years have been challenging for all sectors of the industry, but to change the rate at such a crucial time would set the industry back.
“There are effectively two parallel tourism industries in Ireland – one in Dublin and one in the rest of the country. While the capital city may be able to absorb the higher rate, the rest of the country cannot,” he said.
The Letterkenny Senator said Donegal has enjoyed a good tourism season this year, which was the result of good weather and the reduced 9% VAT rate.
“If the 9% rate works and supports employment in the tourism industry, why fix what is not broken?
“I’ve been in contact with many restaurants and hotels here in Donegal and they are concerned that the wrong message will be sent out.
“I’ll be raising this issue at our party meeting today and with Minister Noonan, and I hope and expect that the tourism sector will be supported.”