The Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, defended the Government’s decision to maintain the VAT rate for the hospitality sector at 13.5pc, rejecting claims of failure despite significant lobbying for a reduction to 9pc.
Burke acknowledged the challenges faced by the hospitality sector but pointed out the emergence of new coffee shops and restaurants, suggesting that the industry is still showing signs of growth.
He highlighted the introduction of the Power Up Grant, which will provide financial support to 39,000 businesses for energy bills, alongside other measures aimed at aiding startups and adjusting tax policies.
The Minister noted ongoing reviews of statutory sick pay increases and sub-minimum wage rates, emphasizing the need for impact assessments on regulations affecting small and medium-sized enterprises before implementation decisions are made.
Mr Burke said; “I have seen, and seen many, coffee shops and restaurants opening as well, and it is something I don’t hear anything at all in discourse. When you go into a budgetary negotiation process you do not get everything you want, we are all very clear on that, but I know I can stand over what I’ve got as a department.”
