Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A number of issues were raised. I am not hiding behind anyone in respect of this matter. It has been the subject of a great deal of debate on Committee Stage and in the Chamber. I answer questions relating to it, not the Revenue Commissioners. That is my job. I am not hiding behind them, but I listen to their advice. The advice they have given me, which has persuaded me, is that the way in which this concession was being interpreted and its parameters were continually being pushed was not consistent with how we believed tax policy should be applied in this area and that there were issues of fairness for companies in the sector.

I was persuaded by these arguments. This measure is not being introduced to raise revenue, as Deputy Burton suggested. I am bringing it forward because I accept the advice given to me on this matter by the Revenue Commissioners. The issue has been well aired in the debate both on this Bill and last year's Finance Bill.

I will set aside the question about which supplements I consume, the answer to which it would not be helpful to share at this point in the debate.

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