Burke rejects criticism over Vat cut failure

Numerous representative bodies in the hospitality sector had been lobbying hard for the measure to be included in the budget

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said not a single minister gets everything they ask for during budget negotiations. 

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke has pushed back against criticism from the hospitality sector after the decision was made not to reintroduce the reduced 9% Vat rate for businesses in Tuesday’s budget.

In the lead-up to the budget, it was reported that Mr Burke was pushing hard in negotiations for the lower Vat rate to be brought back after it was allowed to lapse in September last year.