Concern had been raised that VAT on plant-based milk alternatives would increase from 0 per cent to 23 per cent under new measures in the Finance Bill.

The VFI is sounding the alarm that "insufficient measures" will push many pubs to the breaking point.

Across 2013, 2014 and 2015, the farmer declared a combined income of €493,443 but the TAC found that lodgements to his accounts during that time totalled €1.99 million. 

Since last September, 577 have been “forced to close their doors for good” since the rise in the VAT rate from nine to 13.5 per cent, according to the Restaurants Association of Ireland.

The IHF has called on Minister for Finance Jack Chambers "to act now and safeguard the future of the hairdressing industry"

Seven out of 10 food pubs in the capital also say the VAT increase has made them less likely to hire new staff

Clive Gargan (48) was charged with 84 VAT-related offences

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said this reflected a timing issue that "will almost certainly be made up" later this year

The growth was largely driven by a growth in income tax, VAT and excise duties.

Income tax was up 2.9 per cent from January 2023

Will Monaghan said that footfall has not recovered since the Dublin riots broke out near where his One Society cafe is located.