The Minister for Finance's decision not to increase tax on alcoholic drinks received a warm welcome from the Vintners' Federation of Ireland. The organisation also approved of the reduction in personal and corporation taxes.
The VFI president, Mr Paul O'Grady, said Ireland had the highest rate of tax on beer, and the second highest on spirits in the EU. "We are delighted that the Minister has seen fit not to raise tax . . . Alcohol is a very large contributor to the Exchequer," he said.