Clare’s Junior Minister says he opposed the increased VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector announced in the budget.
Pat Breen has, however, denied that it will damage the sector here in the long term.
The Dáil has approved the government’s decision to increase the rate to 13.5% in yesterday’s budget, despite concerns raised by a number of TDs over its impact, particularly in rural Ireland.
There’s been a furious reaction from some within the tourism sector to the move, which will raise 466 million for government next year, but also comes as the sector faces Brexit-related uncertainty.
Minister Breen says he advocated for the rate to be increased to only 11%.
Disappointment has been expressed by some tourism providers in Clare over the decision to remove their reduced VAT rate from January 1st.
Alphie Rodgers is Sales and Marketing Manager at Treacy’s West County Hotel in Ennis.
