Small Business

This year saw the heartbreaking closure of many beloved local cafes and restaurants.

The coming year, 2025, is set to be even worse.

As founder and CEO of a small business, I understand these struggles firsthand.

Adjusting the VAT rate for hospitality is essential, but more is needed.

Instead of yet another hike in the national minimum wage (€13.50/hr), we should transition to a living wage (€14.75/hr) supported by a state-funded Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).

These measures would be revolutionary. They would offer a lifeline to struggling businesses and deliver real benefits to workers in the industry.