Irish Hotels Federation

Lobbying Organisation Irish Hotels Federation

Date published 21 Sep, 2016

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Tourism

Period 1 May, 2016 to 31 Aug, 2016

Specific Details Seeking to mitigate the negative impact of Brexit on Irish tourism and ensure the industry continues to remain competitive and achieved further growth.

Intended results For targeted Government measures to protect Irish tourism against any negative impact arising from Brexit. For any increases to the tourism VAT rate to be avoided For additional funding for tourism marketing and product development to be provided For additional support for regional tourism and business heavily impacted by seasonality To address the high cost of doing business in Ireland across a range of areas

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Tim Fenn, Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

Meeting to discuss the risks to tourism associated with Brexit; the important role played by the 9% tourism VAT rate; Government measures in support of tourism; hotel capacity; issues facing Irish tourism

Meeting (1)

Discussed risks to tourism associated with Brexit; 9% tourism VAT rate; Government measures in support of tourism; hotel capacity; issues facing Irish tourism including cost competitiveness

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Patrick O'Donovan Minister of State (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport)

Kenneth Spratt Assistant Secretary (Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources)