Lower 9% of VAT to remain in place for tourism sector
Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar has said the lower 9% VAT rate for tourism products will remain in place next year.
Speaking at the official opening of the Good Food Ireland conference in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, Minister Varadkar said: "I can confirm that the 9% VAT rate will apply throughout 2012...This rate is significant because it principally benefits home-grown employers which are based in Ireland.
"Many operators moved quickly to pass the VAT cut on to their customers following its introduction.
"Even where the rate was not passed on, it still benefited the tourism industry by helping businesses to expand their operations or take on additional staff," he added.
