IFA claim PRSI change will put farmers out of business, VFI condemns alochol price rise
Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan said the measures in Budget 2013, including changes to PRSI, will put some farmers out of business.
"Some farmers would have been quite dependent on suckler and grasslands scehemes," he said. "(The changes) will result in a drop in production, and in marginal areas may put some farmers out of business."
Meanwhile, Retail Ireland said the Budget will have a negative impact on consumers after Minister Michael Noonan announced a hike in alcohol and cigarette prices.
Retail sales have fallen by over 25% since the start of the recession and 50,000 jobs in the retail sector have been lost, the IBEC group said.
"Today's Budget is unlikely to entice consumers back into stores," said Director Stephen Lynam. "The increase in alcohol excise may drive consumers north of the border again as the price of beer, wine and spirits rises.
"The increase in tobacco excise, although smaller than last year's, will only further encourage criminal elements to supply illicit cigarettes on the black market. The decision to freeze VAT is welcome as is the decision to freeze excise duty on fuel."
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland also condemned the 'wholly unwelcome' alcohol price rises.
"Over the last five years turnover is down 34% and we are losing pubs at the rate of a pub every other day. This affects communities, it affects families and it affects the live register. Presumably the government has a plan to deal with the increase in the unemployed as pubs find it more and more difficult to survive after today?
"This government has shown little vision and with little or no stimulus, consumer confidence will hit rock bottom and all small business will suffer. The hospitality industry in particular will be on its knees."
