A Fianna Fáil general election candidate has called on his own party and its coalition partners to revisit the controversy over the hospitality VAT rate remaining at nine per cent.
Cllr Michael Cahill said the majority of businesses in the sector are “teetering on the brink” after one of their toughest seasons ever.
“They have survived Brexit and Covid-19 and now they have been presented with commercial rates bills that have doubled, tripled and quadrupled in some cases.
“Many of these businesses will not survive the winter of 2024,” he said.
Cllr Cahill urged Finance Minister, Jack Chambers, and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Pascal Donohue, to revisit the decision the made in Tuesday’s Budget to maintain the 13.5 per cent VAT rate, pending a further review following next season.
“Cafés, restaurants, bars and accommodation outlets will not all survive these continuous hits that they have been subjected to without strong support.
“We must row in behind them and ensure that they all continue to provide employment and serve both visitors to Kerry and residents into the future,” said Cllr Cahill.
“I will push with all my might to bring back the nine per cent VAT rate for them. Businesses that are closed are of no use to anyone,” he pledged.
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