Tipp TD praised over VAT measure

The Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, has thanked Deputy Michael Lowry and the Regional Group of TDs following news of the reinstatement of the 9% VAT Rate for the food-led hospitality sector from the next Budget.

Returning the VAT rate to 9% for this sector has been a priority for the Regional Group since it was increased to 13.5% and a matter that they highlighted on a number of occasions during the last Dáil term.

Deputy Lowry has met with numerous businesses impacted by the change in his constituency and pledged to do all possible to assist them.

Mr Cummins told Deputy Lowry that this news is greatly welcome, adding that "this marks a significant victory for small, independent restaurants, pubs, cafés, and other hospitality businesses which, in total, employ 270,000 nationwide.

"Of course, my thoughts are also with those business owners that were forced to make the heartbreaking decision to close due to rising, uncontrollable costs in recent times.

"It is now critical that the Government takes every step to prevent further closures of SMEs in the hospitality sector - the heart and soul of every town, village and city across the country - between now and October's Budget. This includes instructing the Revenue Commissioners to exercise necessary, meaningful leniency on warehoused or current tax liabilities.

"While global economic headwinds may see the level of foreign direct investment and the number of American MNCs in Ireland tighten in the years to come, the reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate will ensure the resilience of local employment, Ireland's high streets and our cead míle fáilte."