The Tánaiste has defended a measure which will see the rate of VAT for hospitality and hairdressing reduced to 9 per cent.

The affected food businesses are located in Cork, Waterford, and Dublin.

In one location, dead cockroaches were found in a main kitchen under worksurfaces where food is prepared and under cooking equipment where food is cooked

Deputy John Clendennen was speaking after Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the nine per cent rate will be announced at the next Budget.

In December 2024, nine closure orders were served on food businesses for breaches of food safety legislation.