Budget 2017: Unions and employers at odds over retention of lower tourism tax rate

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has claimed the “major flaw” in the budget was the decision to forgo €620m in taxes through the continued 9% Vat subsidy to the tourism and hospitality sector.

“That money could have built 3,000 affordable homes for people,” said ICTU general secretary Patricia King.

“Despite high profits, the sector continues to have the highest number of minimum- wage workers in the economy and the employers refuse to engage with the Joint Labour Committee.”