The Government is said to be planning a significant once-off financial support for cash-strapped businesses in the Budget 2024. The scheme, which is being championed by Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney, will be aimed at Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) hit by rising energy costs, inflation and higher taxes. It is also seen as compensation for the expected removal of the reduced rate of VAT in hospitality and the likely hike in the minimum wage next year. Eoin Burke-Kennedy reports. Childcare fees should be made fully tax deductible in the upcoming budget, according to just more than a third of...