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RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Business
- 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".
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Complaints to NI health trusts grow by 75% over five-year period, report reveals
The number of grievances submitted to Health and Social Care Trusts jumped from 5,005 in 2020/21 to 8,805 in 2024/25. The details are outlined alongside statistics published today by the Department of Health which reveal that all six trusts have experienced a rise in the number of complaints. It also includes information on complaints against Family Practitioner Services in NI for the year ending March 31, 2025, broken down by the programme of care (POC), category, subject and specialty of the issue raised. Over a quarter (2,406) of complaints involved the Belfast Trust, with 2,178 complaints made to the South Eastern Trust and another 1,634 to the Western Trust. A total of 1,180 issues were reported to the Southern Trust, while the Northern Trust received 1,092 complaints. The NI Air Ambulance received 315 complaints, while 745 grievances related to general medicine and another 550 pertained to children and young people services. The highest percentage of complaint issues (14.1%) received in 2024/25 related to the 'accident and emergency' specialty (1,243). Over half (4,718) of all complaints received during 2024/25 fell under the bracket of 'acute POC' issues, accounting for one in seven of all grievances against the Belfast Trust. The number of complaints about acute care has rose from 2,695 in 2020/21 to 4,718 last year. Complaint issues relating to Family Practitioner Services increased from 173 in 2020/21 to 272 in 2024/25. The median age of the patient or client raising complaints was 46 years. The statistics reveal that 59% of complainants were female and 41% were male. Health trusts issued substantive responses to more than two-fifths (2,455) of complaints within 20 working days. On a more positive note, the health trusts received 42,312 compliments in the same 12-month period. Just over 49% of them related to 'quality of treatment and care', with just over 25% pertaining to 'staff attitude and behaviour'. Almost 11% were from people impressed by the 'information and communication' within the health service. Nearly 3% related to the 'environment' and almost 12% fell under the bracket of 'other' subjects. It comes a month after the Belfast Trust appointed Jennifer Welsh as its new chief executive following the sacking of its chairman, Ciaran Mulgrew, by the Health Minister. Mike Nesbitt decided that a change of leadership was needed in order to mark a fresh start for the trust following a series of scandals. Health was marked as a priority in Stormont's Programme for Government due to NI having 'the longest hospital waiting times in the UK, with people struggling to get the treatment they need'. 'In recent years, pressure has increased due to both a rise in demand but also the impact of the pandemic on the Health and Social Care system,' it states. 'These have combined, adding to the backlog of patients awaiting care.'
The National
4 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Government launches £8m refugee integration service
Delivered by the Scottish Refugee Council, the service will offer advice, information and resources to help people fleeing war and persecution settle and rebuild their lives. The new contract builds on the success of the previous Refugee Support Service, which in 2024/25 supported over 10,000 people from 113 different countries. READ MORE: Humza Yousaf pleads for 'meaningful action' in Gaza after family member killed The funding will support a multi-year programme running until March 2028, with an option to extend for a further two years. Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart, reaffirmed the Scottish Government's commitment to welcoming those in need. 'Our Programme for Government commits to a multi-year funded service so refugees and people seeking asylum can access the support they need, when they need it,' she said. 'Refugees and people seeking asylum are welcome in Scotland and this service will support them to start rebuilding their lives here.' Stewart praised the Scottish Refugee Council's past work, saying: 'I'm very pleased that these efforts can continue through the service we're funding.' Chief executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, Sabir Zazai, welcomed the investment. 'We're delighted that our approach to building a better future with refugees in Scotland has been recognised with this investment,' he said. Zazai highlighted the reach of their work, noting that last year the organisation supported people in 30 of Scotland's 32 local authorities. READ MORE: SNP and Greens condemn Starmer's conditional stance on Palestine statehood He said the service helped connect hundreds of communities across the country in efforts to support and welcome New Scots. 'We're looking forward to building on this work and reaching even more people seeking refugee protection in Scotland,' Zazai added. He emphasised that the new service would continue to offer essential information, multilingual advice and practical support to those most in need.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
The Irish Independent's View: New Garda chief must focus on strategic challenges
Last autumn, he became deputy commissioner security, strategy and governance after an intense competition with several of his counterparts. His emergence from that process made him the clear internal favourite to become the next commissioner. As assistant commissioner – the position he held before becoming deputy – Mr Kelly was head of the force's organised and serious crime division, covering the specialist crime bureaus, including drugs, fraud and cyber. He is said to have advanced policies in combating crimes against vulnerable people He is well aware of the issues confronting the force in relation to investigating major crimes, as well as the increasingly advanced methods being used by criminals. Mr Kelly is credited with developing international partnerships to tackle drugs and organised crime and cyber and economic crime. He is also said to have advanced policies in combating crimes against vulnerable people, and responding to the needs of victims. The new commissioner does face operational challenges, including recruitment and retention in the force. Morale and HR issues within the organisation – including rows over rosters – have taken up far too much bandwidth when the focus should be on policing. The Programme for Government has committed to providing funding to recruit at least 5,000 new gardaí over the next five years. The new commissioner will have to keep reminding the Justice Minister of this promise and ensure it is delivered. In his brief stint as deputy commissioner, Mr Kelly played a role in delivering the often contentious new operating model. It reformed garda structures with the intention of providing more frontline officers, increasing garda visibility and providing a wider range of policing services for people in their local areas. After taking so long to implement, the new model is one particular can of worms it would be unwise for the new commissioner to reopen. The appointment of a new garda chief gives certainty to the organisation, but his time cannot be taken up with operational matters when there are so many strategic challenges. The difficulties facing police forces across the world are rapidly evolving due to technological advances, the interconnectivity of organised crime and the breakdown of global security. The policing of protests and rise of disinformation are also problems, as bad actors seek to damage relations between the force and communities. Public confidence in the leadership of the force will be enhanced with the appointment of a decorated, respected and capable commissioner.
The Journal
6 days ago
- Health
- The Journal
Win for Donegal as Health Minister greenlights Letterkenny surgical hub alongside Sligo one
IN A SURPRISE move, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has backed the creation of two new surgical hubs for the North West, one in Sligo town and one in Letterkenny, Donegal. It comes following a proposal from HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster, which includes a new surgical hub close to Sligo University Hospital, while at Letterkenny University Hospital a new surgical hub is proposed along with expanded oncology services. Just last month, the understanding was that HSE management in the North West had chosen Sligo as the preferred option for the new surgical hub for the region, leading to outcry from medical professionals in Donegal. Under the plans, a new stand-alone, two-theatre surgical hub will be built in Sligo, which the Department of Health says will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region. Meanwhile, in Letterkenny, a new two-theatre surgical hub will be built beside the existing hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs – 15 new and 15 replacement. Advertisement This dual investment will enhance both surgical and cancer treatment services in Donegal, the Department says. The design of the new hub will be done in a way to allow for future expansion and the addition of increased bed capacity in the region. The HSE will now proceed with the development of planning applications for both sites, engaging with relevant local authorities. Both applications will be prepared in parallel to ensure a coordinated and efficient rollout of both projects Commenting on the announcement, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the Programme for Government committed to exploring the provision of a surgical hub for the North-West. 'Today marks an important milestone in delivering on that commitment, and I am happy to support this proposal from the HSE.' She added: 'I know Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West North West, and his team will now begin progressing these proposals, working closely with hospital management, clinical specialties, and the estates team to advance the design phase, secure planning permission, and prepare for tendering the construction works.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
