Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa: the country retreat where history meets hospitality
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RTÉ News
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- RTÉ News
Harris says Govt 'not rowing back' on hospitality VAT cut
Tánaiste Simon Harris has said he is "not rowing back" on Programme for Government commitments to cut the hospitality VAT rate despite saying the timing of any measure will be decided on budget day. Speaking to reporters at Government Buildings, the Tánaiste said while the cut will be the "subject of budget negotiations", the Programme for Government has made "clear commitments" in relation to the matter. Last week, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe indicated that while the hospitality VAT rate cut from 13.5% to 9.5% is still planned, introducing the measure in autumn's budget would take up almost two thirds of the available tax reduction space. In the immediate aftermath of the remark, a number of Government sources indicated that the hospitality VAT rate cut could now be delayed until next summer - a move understood to be supported by some in Fianna Fáil but opposed by Fine Gael. Asked about the possible delay to the tax cut, which business groups say is needed in order to protect jobs, Tánaiste Simon Harris said "the timing of any measure will be a matter for budget day". However, when asked if he is "rowing back" on his previous position in early summer that the tax cut commitment was a "solemn" promise, he added: "I'm not rowing back on anything, but I suppose I'm being respectful to the budgetary process. "The Programme for Government says what it says. I believe the Programme for Government is very important, it's a contract between two political parties and some Independent TDs, and therefore I believe the words in it matter. "It talks about reducing the cost base for small businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector around food. And we'll work our way through that." The Tánaiste repeated his position that he is "not going to get into specific budget measures or the timing, other than to say all of this can be discussed in the round". However, he said that "towards the end of the summer" Government intends "to take stock again" in relation to the potential impact of international trade and tariffs deals, "and then we'll reserve the right to finesse the summer economic statement as required".
RTÉ News
a few seconds ago
- RTÉ News
Tánaiste to meet family of Private Séan Rooney next week
Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed that he will meet the mother of Irish peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney, who was killed in Lebanon in 2022, after he was criticised for speaking publicly on the case before talking to her and her family. In a statement, Natasha Rooney criticised what she said was a "sham trial" in Lebanon that convicted and sentenced those involved in his death. She also referenced Mr Harris, saying: "In a country where victims' rights ought to be paramount, it would perhaps be wise for the Tánaiste to speak to me, before seeking to speak for me, in his public statements". In response, the Tánaiste - who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence - said that he accepted the point made and will "reserve any further comment" until he meets Pte Rooney's family next week. "I'll be meeting Natasha next week and I'm going to reserve any further comment until I meet her. "Natasha is a grieving mother fighting for justice for her son who died while serving with absolute distinction. "He has my absolute and total respect, as does his family, and I'll reserve making any further comments until I engage with Natasha directly," Mr Harris said. Pte Rooney, who was 24 and from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, was killed when their armoured vehicle was fired on in Lebanon on 14 December 2022.
RTÉ News
a few seconds ago
- RTÉ News
SIPTU members back childcare pay deal
SIPTU members working in Early Years services have voted to accept a pay deal which provides for increases of around 10% across all grades. In a ballot of members, more than 90% voted in favour of the proposals. "SIPTU members have overwhelmingly supported the pay rates that emerged from negotiations between union representatives and employers on the Early Years Joint Labour Committee (JLC) negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission," said SIPTU Sector Organiser, Diane Jackson. "The proposals provide close to a 10% pay raise across all the grades, raising the minimum agreed hourly pay rates to between €15 for Educators and €20.25 for Graduate Managers." "Our members now expect to see these long-awaited wage increases reflected in their pay packets in September," Ms Jackson said. In June, the pay proposals were put forward by the Joint Labour Committee, which is made up of employer and worker representatives. It has the responsibility for setting minimum rates of pay for over 35,000 staff in the early years and childcare sector. At the time of the deal, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley welcomed the pay proposals. "I am committed to ensuring the successful implementation of these proposals by providing a ring-fenced allocation of €45 million from Core Funding," Ms Foley said. Childcare Services Ireland, the Ibec association representing the sector, said that a number of providers have made the decision to withdraw from the Core Funding scheme, resulting in some increasing their fees to manage the funding shortfall. "It is important to note that any fee increases by providers are a direct result of the loss of core funding, which has made it unviable for some to remain in the scheme," said Stephanie Roy, Director of Childcare Services Ireland. "These increases are used to support the provision of high quality, nutritious meals, the cost of which continues to rise, as well as to enhance children's learning experiences through improved outdoor play areas and better environmental standards," Ms Roy said.
