Minister: No plans to hike 9% Vat rate

Changing the special 9% Vat rate for the hospitality sector would be the worst possible thing to do right now in light of Brexit, according to minister of state for tourism and sport Brendan Griffin.

He was asked yesterday if the special rate, which was introduced in 2011, would be changed in Budget 2018, due to be revealed next month.

“I think we have seen it has more than paid for itself over the years and it continues to pay for itself,” said Mr Griffin. “So there is an adage: ‘If it ain’t broke, why fix it?’ And that would be my view on it.