Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

231. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated yield in 2018 and in a full year from a 15 cent levy on a standard can of sugar sweetened drink with commensurate levies for higher volumes. [38967/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is my intention to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks in April 2018, to coincide with the introduction of a similar tax in the UK at that time.  This tax will be imposed as a volumetric tax as a specific amount per litre of product, as opposed to an ad valorem rate imposed on the final retail price of product. This is to ensure that the tax is applied to sugar content of the product regardless of the retail price.

The 2016 Tax Strategy papers estimated potential yields from a tax on sugar sweetened drinks based on total soft drink sales in Ireland of 685.4 million litres per annum.  The TSG papers estimated that the tax would apply to 60% of these sales at the time.  However, it is now expected that the tax will apply to much less than 60% of these sales as the soft drinks industry continue to reformulate their products, reducing sugar content.  Accordingly it is difficult to estimate accurately the expected tax yield.  However, it is likely that a tax on sugar sweetened beverages, levied at 15c on a 330ml can, could yield in the region of €45m in 2018 and €60m in a full year.

I have not yet finalised the structure, scope or rate of the tax, so estimates are preliminary and subject to change.  It is expected that the underpinning legislation will be introduced in this year's Finance Act.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

232. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated revenue yield in 2018 and in a full year from a 1% increase in betting tax on both in shop and online betting. [38970/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by Revenue that the estimated yield that would be generated if the rate of betting tax was increased is available in the pre-Budget 2018 Ready Reckoner at: .