Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris, delivers a speech during a press conference, to recognise the state of Palestine at the Government buildings, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. Ireland will recognise a Palestinian state, its Prime Minister Simon Harris said on May 22, 2024, in a joint announcement with Oslo and Madrid. "Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine," Harris said outside government buildings in Dublin. (Photo by Paul FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)
Fine Gael has promised to lower the controversial VAT rate for the hospitality sector – from 13.5% to 11% – within 100 days of the new Government if elected.
With the General Election set for November 29, it would mean a change in the VAT rate by the middle of March.
Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris, delivers a speech during a press conference, to recognise the state of Palestine at the Government buildings, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. Ireland will recognise a Palestinian state, its Prime Minister Simon Harris said on May 22, 2024, in a joint announcement with Oslo and Madrid. “Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine,” Harris said outside government buildings in Dublin. (Photo by Paul FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)
Other parties were quick to criticise the pledge, over the weekend. Sinn Féin said the reduction would not be enough to offer serious help to restaurants and bars currently struggling with the 13.5% VAT rate.
Fianna Fail said the move would result in increased energy prices for households and companies, saying that was why it didn’t change the VAT rate in the October Budget.
However, Fine Gael said it will also roll-out a new cost of living package to offset any damage caused by the VAT change.
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