Taoiseach Simon Harris speaking at Fitzwilliam Hall in Dublin at the Fine Gael launch of its plan to cut costs for businesses. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/PA Wire
The rate had previously been cut to 9 per cent to support such businesses during the pandemic before being restored to 13.5 per cent.‘Your daughter is only 7. Would you not look after her?’ – Fianna Fáil candidate hits out at ‘token female’ chargeThe industry had been calling for a 9 per cent rate in the Budget announced on October 1st, with an 11 per cent middle ground also floated.
Describing VAT as a “blunt instrument”, she said her party would split food and accommodation businesses, for the purposes of the tax, “and apply a reduced 9 per cent VAT rate on food and beverages”. In a statement issued when the election was officially announced, Mr Martin promised that the Fianna Fáil campaign “will put policy before politics, substance before soundbite”.