A local restaurant owner says the Government needs to reduce the VAT rate for the hospitality sector this year to avoid more closures.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe announced this week that the Budget would see the VAT rate for hospitality return to 9% - at an estimated cost of €1 billion to the exchequer.
That's two thirds of all the tax cut money the Government plans to have in budget 2026 - minimising room for measures elsewhere.
However, it's being reported today that the coalition is now considering not implementing the measure until the middle of next year to reduce the immediate cost.
Ray O'Connor owns the Old Stonehouse Restaurant in Ballinlough - he says the Government doesn't care about small businesses:
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