In October 2025, IHF Board Member Roy Kennedy travelled to Offaly to attend a post-Budget breakfast with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, alongside local TD John Clendennen, County Councillors, and IHF members and salon owners.

The meeting provided an opportunity to engage directly with the Minister on the key measures announced in Budget 2026 and to raise issues impacting salon owners.

Key points discussed included:

• The future of the 9% VAT rate for hairdressing

• Clarification on Budget 2026 measures affecting small businesses

• Ongoing cost pressures facing salon owners

During the discussion, IHF member Caroleen Creevy Murphy raised a question regarding the longevity of the 9% VAT rate. The Minister confirmed that it was the only Budget measure introduced without a set review period and indicated his intention for the rate to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

The Federation extends its thanks to Caroleen Creevy Murphy and Dee Gallagher for their continued engagement and for representing the industry at local and national level.