German MPs told Irish VAT set to hit 23%

ENDA KENNY was left humiliated after German MPs were given advance notice that Irish VAT rates would be raised in next month’s budget.

Ministers scrambled to regain credibility, pointing the finger of blame at the troika, which oversees Irish financial decision making, after opposition leaders accused the Government of treating taxpayers with contempt.

The embarrassing row erupted after it was revealed Government documents sent to the troika stating that Irish VAT was set to rise by two points to 23% in the December 6 budget had been circulated to German politicians.