2% increase in all energy bills is not acceptable
In this election, support for business will be a key priority for Fianna Fáil.
Our manifesto, which will be published in the next few days, will outline a wide range of measures to help all businesses, especially hospitality businesses and small businesses in general.
We oppose the proposals published this morning by Fine Gael which would directly lead to a 2% increase in the energy bills of every business and every household in the country.
Commenting on this, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers said: “On the one hand, they are proposing to reduce the VAT rate for hospitality, while on the other hand they are increasing the VAT rate for all business, including hospitality.
"This move is regressive. Fianna Fáil will deliver a permanent 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity for 5 years, lowering costs for every business and household.
"Our proposals fully fund retaining a lower rate of tax on energy bills for everyone, and also provide separate direct aid for businesses and the hospitality sector in particular.
"Fine Gael’s proposal for an 11% rate will lead to an increased tax on gym memberships, which is very unfair to tens of thousands of people who value being a member of their local gym."
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