Farmers and other businesses are reporting delays in getting VAT refunds from Revenue. According to IFAC head of taxation Declan McEvoy, this has been ongoing for some months. “They have advised us that there will be delays of up to six weeks in getting refunds and that the delays are due to staff shortage,” he said.

“This is despite the switch to online filing which was designed to free up staff time. But the development is a sign of the recovery in economic activity.”