Colin Murphy: Why is cutting the hospitality Vat rate more important than lifting children out of poverty?

The 35th government of Ireland is prioritizing financial support for the hospitality sector over measures to combat child poverty, despite conflicting manifesto promises from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Despite the aspirations to tackle child poverty, it appears the hospitality sector successfully secured political commitment, influencing the government's budgetary focus toward this industry.

Sources indicate the next budget may see the Vat rate for parts of the hospitality sector reduced to 9pc, implying a substantial financial commitment exceeding €700m.

Read at Independent