More from Ireland:

There were two new initiatives in the Irish budget prompted by concerns over public health.

First, a Sugar Tax of 30 cents per litre on soft drinks which have between five and eight grams of sugar per 100 millilitres in them.

The Irish Heart Foundation described the imposition of the tax as a “landmark day in the fight against obesity.”

Sunbeds and tanning salons have been hit with extra VAT charges rising from 13.5 per cent to 23 per cent. The Irish government said this was in line with its National Cancer Strategy to reduce cancer particular of the skin. It is the most common form of cancer in Ireland.