Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will come back to that matter. Last week we had a very good debate on Brexit. The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, was in the House previously to discuss the future of Europe. I will be very happy to have a debate on the benefits of membership and the importance of the European Union to Ireland post-Brexit, but, first, to be fair, we have not given the Minister of State due notice of the request. Second, having a debate on the future of the Europe and the benefits of membership of the European Union in opposition to the debate on the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill would be unfair in the context of the request made by Senator Horkan. I will, however, be happy to accede to and accommodate his request in due course.

To respond to Senator Boyhan's comments on forestry, I will be very happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, come to the House to discuss the matter. The Senator is correct that it is a very important industry. Last week wonderful plans were unfurled and unveiled on the future of the industry. I will be happy to have the debate sought in the coming weeks.

Senator Conway-Walsh referred to VAT on food supplements. I am aware that she raised the issue at the finance committee last week. The important point is that VAT will be applied to food supplements at the standard rate. The Revenue Commissioners had made a concession and allowed a zero VAT rate to be applied to certain vitamins, minerals and fish oils. They have now made a decision to remove the concession, with effect from 1 March, such that VAT will be applied to all food supplements at the standard rate. It should be noted, however, that the zero VAT rate will continue to be applied to oral medicines, including certain folic acid, minerals and vitamin products licensed by the Health Products Regulatory Authority, as well as to infant foods.

The Minister for Finance has agreed, as part of the discussion of the Finance Bill, to put in place a process that will conclude later this year in respect of the 2019 tax strategy group paper. The plan is to examine some of the policy choices around the VAT treatment of food supplements. That clarifies some of the points made by the Senator. Anyway, I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House to have that discussion in due course because it is an important one and there is uncertainty. It is important to recognise that zero rates apply to certain products regulated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority and to infant foods. People should be clear on that point and it behoves all of us to inform people of it. The point made by Senator Conway-Walsh is valid in terms of information and ensuring clarity and certainty.