Local and national newspapers in Ireland are calling on the Irish Government to slash the VAT rate on newspapers to help protect the industry for future generations.

A campaign led by Newsbrands Ireland and Local Ireland, bodies which represent both the national and local press in the country, as part of Journalism Matters week, which starts today, is calling for the levy change.

Currently consumers pay a reduced 9 per cent VAT rate for newspapers in Ireland, but the campaign is pressing the government to use part of its 2019 budget to reduce the rate down to 5 per cent.