News
Government to examine 9% VAT rate
By Michelle Crean
Finance Minister Michael McGrath has this week said that the Government will, in the coming weeks, examine the 9% VAT rate.
Minister McGrath was speaking in the Dáil when asked by Kerry TD Brendan Griffin, as well as a number of other TDs from across the country, to retain the 9% VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Fine Gael's Brendan Griffin questioned if the VAT rate would stay the same or be changed.
"To ask the Minister for Finance if he will retain the 9% VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector; if his attention has been drawn to reports of the vital importance of this measure for counties such as Kerry, which has a proportionately higher reliance on the tourism and hospitality sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter".
Minister McGrath said that he'd take all the questions together.
"The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate unless they fall within Annex III of the Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply either one or two reduced rates of VAT. Ireland currently operates two reduced rates of VAT, 13.5% and 9%, as permitted by the Directive," he answered.
"Currently, the 9% rate applies on a temporary basis to the hospitality and tourism sectors which includes the supply of hotel accommodation and the supply of meals in hotels (excluding alcohol and soft drinks) until 28 February 2023. The 9% rate was introduced in recognition of the fact that the tourism and hospitality sectors were among those most impacted by the public health restrictions put in place throughout the pandemic. Through no fault of their own, bars, hotels and restaurants had to close on multiple occasions in response to the public health crisis. From 1 March 2023, these sectors are due to return to the 13.5% rate. The supply of alcohol and soft drinks remains unchanged at the standard rate of VAT (23%). As I have said on a number of occasions, the Government will, in the coming weeks, examine the full suite of taxation and other measures that are due to expire at the end of February. In making any decision the Government will balance the costs of the measures in question against their impact."
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Mamma Mia! screening draws crowds
The grounds of Killarney House and Gardens were transformed into an outdoor cinema as part of the new Summer in Killarney Festival.
A spell of fine weather provided ideal conditions for the open-air screening of Mamma Mia!, hosted in the National Park venue. Attendees gathered on the lawns ahead of the main feature, with a warm-up set supplied by a SPIN South West DJ.
Organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce with support from Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, the NPWS, and Heineken, the event formed part of a month-long summer festival programme designed for locals and visitors alike.
Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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