Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Ireland seems to rank high in respect of food and drink prices — two essentials for tourists visiting this country — and recent media reports have suggested we are now almost the most expensive in Europe. The Minister's Department will soon prepare its Estimates for 2005 and I understand the expert group is examining the issue of VAT and excise duty. In that context, will the Government give serious consideration to reducing excise duty and the VAT rate which, at 13.5%, is one of the highest in Europe?

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