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

I understand the value of the 9% VAT rate. It is my intention to be able to deliver such a move, but such a move would entail a significant cost, which is why it needs to be part of the overall budget process. As to what that VAT rate will be applicable to, my view is that it can have the biggest impact on food and catering, as I made clear in my earliest answer to the Deputy. The expansion beyond that would entail additional significant cost, and it is because of all this that we need to make those decisions as part of the normal budgetary process. We cannot be spending hundreds of millions of euro and even more outside of the normal budgetary decisions we make because of the risk and the uncertainties around us. I want to confirm what my intention is as regards the VAT rate but indicate that this decision should be taken on budget day. Because it will be taken on budget day, any effects will be felt in the following year, from 1 January.

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