Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

Does the Minister of State not agree this burden is too great for many people? How can VAT be charged on this service when there are civil servants and others employed by the Government in the service who should be able to recognise the inequity of this charge? The system is supposed to serve the people but seems rather to serve those who are making profits. The interests of the latter appear to have the upper hand over the needs of the public. It is wrong that a situation can arise whereby people are trying their best to pay for a service and must then face a second charge imposed by the Government. How did such a situation come about, especially given the Government's encouragement of private companies to provide this service? Is it part and parcel of the Government's role to act in this way or will we ever see a situation where people are put before profit?

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