The Irish government has introduced a new grant scheme, Power Up, to provide much-needed financial support to struggling retail and hospitality businesses. With a total budget of €170 million, the grant aims to help businesses offset the rising costs associated with operating during the busy Christmas period.

Effective from the end of 31st August 2023, the special 9% VAT rate for certain services in the industry has been discontinued. As we transition into this new phase, these specific services will be subject to the standard VAT rate of 13.5%.