Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)

I will add a few brief comments on the section, which I support. While we wholeheartedly support the reduction in the lower rate of VAT, we have some concerns about the programme for Government commitment to limit the top rate of VAT to 23% and the effect this will have on retail and trade and ultimately on jobs, especially in the Border areas, if people start going North to do their shopping. I would have supported the amendment providing for an impact assessment, but I must register my concerns about the increase in the higher rate of VAT to 23%.