Mr Hanly says the VAT increase will be particularly damaging for smaller businesses.

This will mark the ninth increase in a year.

'For all homes in Ireland, nationwide demand increased by 17% compared to last year'

'The minimum wage should rise by €4 per hour, according to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions'

It's expected that the reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel will be removed.

'Publicans are just surviving and I think we’re all entitled to make a living'

'Behind every mortgage there are families who are already struggling'

There was an increase in assaults recorded in the Cavan Monaghan Garda Division according to crime statistics published by the CSO.