Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Based on commentary I heard on the radio this morning, it is important that we, as public representatives and Oireachtas Members, highlight a phenomenon of recent years that has come more to the fore, namely, the famous Black Friday on which phenomenal offers and bargains will be advertised, particularly online. It was stated on the radio programme to which I was listening that many people who intend to purchase items online are not aware of the VAT and import duty laws. If one purchases an item from outside the EU online to the value of €22 or more, one is liable for VAT in Ireland. If the cost of the item exceeds €150, one is also required to pay import duty plus VAT. I do not believe many people are aware of that. They are buying items online at what seem to be exorbitantly low prices but when, on delivery, they are hit with these VAT bills, the price differential may not be as inviting as it originally appeared. All the while, these purchases are being made at the expense of local traders. We are duty bound to encourage citizens, where possible, to shop locally, particularly in rural Ireland in order to try to keep the small shops and businesses open.

I would also like to highlight the phenomenal number of fictitious sites that will be set up especially for this weekend only because those behind them know that their potential clients and customers are at their most vulnerable as a result of all the advertising that has been taking place. Apparently, an astronomical number of sites selling fictitious goods will be set up. Those who operate the sites in question will get the bank details of many vulnerable customers. We cannot do enough to highlight this issue. I encourage the Government and the relevant Ministers to issue press releases to warn people about that to which I refer. An unbelievable number of scams will occur over the weekend on the basis of the Black Friday myth, which is what I would call it.