Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the proposed VAT increase on food supplements. I know it was discussed here earlier but the Member who raised it was not aware that in December I went through the official channels and raised this matter with the Taoiseach. He said there was no increase coming. Think about the total anomaly here. Our Government is trying to hurt our beef industry on the one hand and then at the same time it is telling people they should be eating healthier foods. The VAT on these health food supplements is increasing from 0% to 23% in March. This is going to devastate an industry. We are encouraging people to lead healthier lives while at the same time we are increasing the VAT on the food we are telling them to eat. For God's sake, will the Government try to get this right? There is no way in the world that the rate of VAT should be allowed to go from 0% to 23%. It is totally wrong.

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