FINANCE MINISTER MICHAEL Noonan had some good news for microbreweries as he continued his Budget speech this afternoon.

Excise relief is to be increased for the sector, with has been experiencing impressive growth in recent years, the Minister noted.

“I’m increasing the annual excise relief production ceiling for microbreweries from 20,000 hectolitres to 30,000 hectolitres,” Noonan said.

“Today is about looking forward,” the veteran Minister said as he began his speech, shortly after 2.30pm

“It’s about building for the future upon this solid foundation that has been so painstakingly laid.”