The Vintners Federation of Ireland which represents 6,000 publicans outside the Dublin area, said it was pleased the Minister for Finance had not increased tax on alcohol and had raised inheritance tax thresholds.
"While we might have hoped for some reduction in excise duty to bring Ireland more into line with the levels of our EU counterparts, we, however, recognise the conflicting pressures and demands on a Minister for Finance at Budget time. Hopefully in the not so distant future, we will see some movement towards harmonisation," said Mr John Mansworth, president of the VFI.
