The Minister has announced that the VAT rate on tourism-related services is to increase from 9% to 13.5%. This increase will apply to catering and restaurant supplies, tourist accommodation, cinemas, theatres, museums, hairdressing, horses, greyhounds, amusement parks, historic houses and open farms.

The reduced VAT rate of 9% for newspaper publications and sporting facilities will remain for 2019.

The VAT rate on electronically supplied newspapers and e-books will be reduced from 23% to 9%.

These measures will take effect from 1 January 2019.