Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Today, I received from members of the public 60,000 signatures on petitions that I will hand over to the Minister for Finance. People around the country are frustrated and worried because of the Government's refusal to alter the Revenue Commissioners' decision to change the VAT rate on food supplements from 0% to 23% next Friday. There are 3,600 jobs directly and indirectly affected by this decision. I am told absolutely clearly that some businesses will close. It is important that matters of tax policy be determined in this House. Even at this late stage, will the Taoiseach ask for a deferment of this decision from next Friday so the review the Minister for Finance has promised will be concluded before the draconian impact on businesses right across the country, particularly as we approach Brexit?

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