Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Finance the time limit that applies to claim back VAT for business purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25449/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a claim for a refund or repayment of VAT must be made within 4 years after the end of the taxable period to which it relates.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider a reduction in the VAT rate from 21% to 9% in budget 2012 for labour intensive crafts as requested by the Irish musical instrument makers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25472/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. I understand that the major sectors within the Irish craft industry are pottery, glass, jewellery, textiles and furniture. Annex III does not provide for a reduced rate of VAT to be applied to these goods, or to musical instruments, which are consequentially subject to the standard VAT rate of 21%.