Urgent action is needed from the next Government to protect 270,000 jobs in Ireland's hospitality sector.
A group representing hotels, bars and restaurants is demanding the VAT rate be lowered as part of the next programme for Government.
The joint campaign from the Restaurants Association, Vintners' Federation and Irish Tourism Industry Confederation says 4 separate actions are needed to protect the sector.
National President of the Irish Hotels Federation and Cork hotelier Michael Magner says the industry plays a huge part in the economy:
"We need a dedicated department of hospitality and tourism in the next Government, and that must be outlined in the program to ensure those 270,000 livelihoods. and the knock on effect that the industry has to the economy, a €10b a year contributor to the economy, is taken at a level within Government that is a serious player."
