Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While the Minister gave the commitment described, in further conversation it became clear that the Revenue intends to issue guidance on the application of VAT in this area. We do not know whether the Revenue guidance or the review in the tax strategy papers will come first? I asked the Minister to give a commitment not to implement any change in respect of interpretation until we have the wider review in the tax strategy papers. That commitment was not given and we are now in limbo. More to the point, those directly involved in the sector are in limbo.

There is a clear lack of consistency here. Many of those affected do not know whether they are compliant. That is a concern because they could be building up liabilities which would ultimately result in businesses closing. Will the Minister of State provide clarity? Will Revenue guidance issue shortly for this area? If so, when is it likely to issue? What exactly will the review in the tax strategy group papers address?

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