Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The proposed VAT increase on health food supplements is difficult for many who continue to do their best to look after their health. I refer to calcium and magnesium tablets and Eskimo fish oil for joints. The list is endless. Older people whose eyesight is affected by macular degeneration, for example, take a product called MacuShield, which is not available on the medical card and costs €25 for a month's supply. The increase in VAT will give rise to a €5.75 increase in price. It seems that there is not much support from the Government for those who wish to look after their health.

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