Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to clarify that the Minister for Finance stated on Committee Stage, and Deputy Barrett was present, that he would not interfere with the Revenue Commissioners. They are independent of the Department of Finance, and the Deputy knows that well. The Revenue has decided to bring clarity to the matter. What the Minister committed to doing, which was more than fair and reasonable, was to have a proper analysis done by the Tax Strategy Group in respect of the zero rating or the rating of VAT at 23%. That is what he said he would do and, having sat down and gone through the analysis with the officials, that is what we will do. That was agreed at the time of the last budget. The Deputy was in the committee meeting and if he chose to accept the Minister's word at that stage, he should accept it here and now.

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