Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, it is not my practice to comment in advance on what measures may or may not be introduced in the budget. I do not intend to have a budget debate in advance of its announcement. I cannot be more precise than that.

In general terms, the Deputy will be aware that the VAT rate was reduced from 13.5% to 9%, which would have helped the pub trade, particularly the portion of it that provides food. I have met with representatives of the trade, including the Vintners' Association representing the Dublin publicans and the Vintners' Association representing the rural publicans, and representatives of Diageo who accompanied the Vintners' Association representatives by way of delegation. I am familiar with their concerns and have discussed them with them. We will see what happens on budget day.

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