Hotels to miss out on Fine Gael promise of Vat cut while Tanaiste warns that lower rate cannot trigger higher energy prices

Mr. Martin warned that lowering the VAT rate for the hospitality sector must not lead to increased VAT on energy, which would raise costs for households.

Mr. Martin emphasized his openness to smaller parties in a future Coalition, as long as they align economically with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Sinn Féin criticized the VAT proposal as "laughable" and noted that their preferred approach would reintroduce a 9% VAT for hospitality, excluding hotel beds.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik remarked that the government's proposal sounded "hollow," highlighting missed opportunities during the last Budget to assist struggling businesses.

Read at Irish Independent