Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

There is a 5% differential in costs between the Republic and the North according to the preliminary results of the study to which I referred. I agree with Deputy McHugh's initial statement that there is a particular perception, even though the changes in certain sections of the VAT regime do not apply to everything. As I observed in my reply, more than 50% of the goods and services traded are not affected by the VAT changes. It is important to recognise that the depreciation of sterling against the euro is having a significant effect. Deputies can be assured that the Department is in constant negotiations with retailers, who have a duty of care to their customers both North and South.

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