The 9% VAT rate should be returned to the entire tourism and hospitality industry.
That's according to the newly appointed Donegal Chair of the Irish Hotels Federation Aisling Arnold, who has been reacting to calls for a new 'split' VAT rate to be introduced to help struggling small businesses.
It would be a two-tier VAT rate, one for larger firms and a lower 9% rate for SME's.
Many, especially those in the retail and hospitality sectors, fear closure if they don't get some form of government support.
Ms. Arnold says there's major concern locally in the sector for the months ahead and it's something that needs to be looked at urgently: