Rory is an exceptional golfer and a fantastic ambassador for Ireland globally.
However, we would respectfully disagree with his comments regarding Irish food.
Irish food is among the very best in the world, built on exceptional local produce, world-class chefs and a strong farm-to-fork tradition.
As Gordon Ramsay has said, Ireland is “the sleeping beauty of European cuisine” and that reputation is now being realised every day across our restaurant sector.
When Rory returns to Ireland for the Irish Open in Doonbeg later this year, we would strongly encourage him to experience some of the very best Irish produce on offer and we would be more than happy to show him a few spots ourselves.
Ireland’s food offering is a central part of our tourism and cultural identity. We look forward to working with Government on a new food tourism strategy that fully showcases our strengths, from farm to fork, and supports the continued growth of our world-class hospitality sector.
I will be sending Rory an invitation to launch this new strategy when it is completed.
We wish Rory and Shane Lowry the very best in Augusta this weekend.
🏉 KCS Rugby Homecoming – History Makers! 🏉
An incredible day for Kinsale Community School as BOTH our Junior & Senior Cup teams qualify for the Munster Schools knockouts for the first time ever 🏆Join us for the Homecoming as we celebrate a landmark moment for KCS Rugby! 💚🤍
With the Michelin Guide coming to Dublin in February, Ireland cannot miss the chance to showcase our world class food. The tourism strategy is a welcome start, but Fáilte Ireland must restore a dedicated Food Tourism Unit. This is a chance to highlight our restaurants and position Ireland as a top culinary destination.
https://t.co/A0hxAh4P29
🚨Breaking
Minister @peterburkefg announces a focus on Food Tourism, an All Island Food Strategy, culinary focus, KPI driven strategy for state agencies, restaurants back under remit of @Failte_Ireland
Huge support at cabinet and bilateral meetings for 9% vat by the Minister @peterburkefg
Major kudos for the Minister from the sector for listening and supporting
#iticconf25
Restaurants Association of Ireland, supported by economic research from economist Tony Foley, today launched a significant report making the case for the restoration of the 9% VAT rate for food services & addressing recent criticisms of the policy measure. https://t.co/XkSCQ0dIXh
New Economic Report Launched on the 9% VAT Rate
The Restaurants Association of Ireland, with economist Anthony Foley, has published a major report making the economic case for restoring the 9% VAT rate for food-led businesses.
✅Supports 20,000+ SMEs
✅Protects 220,000 jobs
✅Keeps our towns and villages alive
✅Aligns Ireland with EU best practice
The message is clear: VAT 9 is necessary, sensible & justified.
Government must fulfil their promise in Budget 2026.
For more info: https://t.co/XvzzrBqXAg
@peterburkefg@Paschald@jackfchambers@adriancummins
“A permanent return to the 9% Vat rate is about recognising the unique pressures food businesses face and acknowledging their value, economically, culturally, and socially.”
Read CEO @adriancummins opinion piece in today’s @irishexaminer
https://t.co/M3ZiIi9sBn
🚨Vat 9
The Department of Finance have long stated that the reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate would cost €545 million and NOT €1 billion.
From 2011 to 2014 31,500 jobs were created within the hospitality sector majorly due to the 9% VAT rate.
https://t.co/T3g1YcofY1
It has been long stated by government and the Department of Finance that the reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate for food businesses would cost €545 million and not €1bn.
The cost of one business closing could cost the economy up to €1.36 million. When the VAT rate was reduced between 2011 and 2014 the exchequer saved €443 million in social welfare payments alone.
The promised reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate should be viewed as an investment to save jobs, businesses and communities.
VAT rate for hospitality to be cut in budget, Harris says
The Government has made a “solemn” promise to cut the VAT rate for hospitality in the budget, Simon Harris has said, addressing the National Economic Dialogue.
https://t.co/9tssCyIXnD
🚨UPDATE - Outdoor Street Furniture
Further to @RAI_ie lobbying efforts- Minister @JamesBrowneTD has announced
“I intend to waive the outdoor furniture licence fee for 2025, while noting that this will require regulations to pass through both Houses of the Oireachtas. I have asked my Department to commence this process.”
The Kinsale Food Tours Street Feast kicks off this Saturday April 12th from 1pm to 4pm along the streets of Kinsale and its set to be the biggest one yet with over 30 stalls this year 🍴
Find out all you need to know at https://t.co/6dnUlugZh1
#PureCork
Only 5 days to go until Kinsale Street Feast — and it’s shaping up to be our biggest one yet!
We’ve got more food stalls than ever before, the weather forecast is looking good, and the summer vibes are ready to roll.
Join us this Saturday, April 12th from 1–4PM ☀️
ONLY 10 DAYS TO GO! ☀️🍴🎶
On Saturday, April 12th, from 1-4 PM, the streets of Kinsale will be packed with incredible food, live music, and unbeatable vibes!
The event is sponsored by Kinsale Food Tours who know a thing or two about good food! 🥘
🚨 Why I'm Running for Seanad Éireann 🚨
I am stepping forward to represent voices that need to be heard:
✅ Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Advocating for better support and recognition for the backbone of our economy.
✅ Balanced Regional Development: Promoting fair opportunities and resources for all regions, including rural Ireland.
✅ Kidney Transplant Patients: I currently undergo kidney dialysis three days a week and want to promote the needs of transplant patients and raise awareness around the importance of organ donation.
🚨 How YOU Can Help Me Get Elected🚨
You can best support my campaign by voting Adrian Cummins No. 1 on the Industrial & Commercial panel if you have a vote in the upcoming election or by asking your local Cllr, TD or outgoing senator to do so if not.
Thank you very much.