'Special' 9% hospitality Vat rate to be hiked in budget

Medical card to be extended to 500,000 more people by changing eligibility criteria

The card entitles people to prescribed medications for a reduced fee, optical, aural, and GP services (including out of hours access) as well as limited dentistry. 

The special Vat rate for hotels, restaurants and pubs is to be hiked as part of the upcoming budget.

A reduced 9% Vat rate was introduced to help support the hospitality sector during the pandemic, however Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is now adamant that this emergency measure be reversed and is examining everything up to a full return to the 13.5% rate.