Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)

While the increase of €0.6 billion in cumulative VAT receipts is encouraging, there are signals of underlying volatility. VAT is approximately €100 million behind profile, as I stated. Although modest in percentage terms, that may indicate emerging trends. Will the Minister elaborate on what the Department interprets as the trend in VAT collection so far this year? Specifically, does the Minister anticipate receipts will realign with projections or could the gap widen as the year progresses? The programme for Government acknowledges the impact of rising energy costs on businesses and households and pledges tax measures such as changes to VAT to help mitigate these pressures. There is also a commitment to support SMEs, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, potentially through adjustments in VAT, PRSI and other measures in the coming budget. Will the Minister indicate whether specific VAT measures will be considered in the forthcoming budget, particularly for sectors facing acute cost challenges?

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