Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On his four points, he has already acknowledged the planned legislative change that is under way. Key to this is the fact that the Central Bank (National Claims Information Database) Act was enacted last year. It will make a contribution to dealing with our understanding of this issue, which in turn will help in dealing with the issue with premiums. I will give the Deputy a commitment to working with the Oireachtas to ensure that the various Bills referred to will be passed. I met the Minister of State, Deputy Michael D'Arcy, as recently as last night on this issue. I met him after we dealt with the Estimates in the Dáil to review our position on this issue and determine how we can make legislative progress more quickly than we might be able to at present.

On the point on the role of An Garda Síochána and its organisation and funding of a unit to deal with this issue, I agree with the Garda Commissioner that it would be utterly inappropriate for any industry to make a contribution to the funding of a part of An Garda Síochána. That is paid for by general taxation, and that is not going to change no matter what the need is. That is the only way we should pay for resources for the Garda. Commissioner Harris has indicated to the Minister of State, Deputy D'Arcy, that he will consider how this issue is being dealt with and determine whether there are any changes he needs to make, but that is a decision for him and one I will accept.

With regard to VAT on food supplements, I am well aware of the issue. A number of advertising campaigns are now being run on this issue, including campaigns with me featuring prominently. I have been contacted frequently on the matter. I must restate, however, that this is an issue the Revenue Commissioners are taking very seriously. Their view is that the law as it stands is not being implemented in the way it should be. They believe, and have said to me, this is causing issues in regard to the integrity of VAT law. I am aware, however, of the business concerns that this is causing and some of the consumer and health concerns that are now being raised. The Revenue Commissioners and I are working with one another on this. I will accept whatever decision the Revenue Commissioners make on this matter because I will not go down the path of creating the impression that I can issue directions to the Revenue Commissioners on how they implement the law. That is not the case. We will be working on this issue on that basis in the coming days.