Mr. Matt Ronan:

I would like to respond to the Chairman's remarks. Our entire industry feels as if it is on a precipice. As a previous speaker observed, if we lose the ability to rate food supplements at zero, that ability will be lost forever. We stress that we are at the mercy of the Minister in this regard. It is within his power to act. While he may choose to accept the Revenue view that this is driven by regulation, the current interpretation of the regulations would serve perfectly well. These products could then continue to be sold properly at a zero VAT rate. I beseech members to do everything in their power to protect our customers and their constituents.