Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

194. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the proposal outlined by the President of the European Commission in their State of the Union address to the European Parliament waiving VAT when buying defence equipment developed and produced in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44986/21]

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

I understand that when President von der Leyen referenced VAT it was in the context of improved interoperability for Member States. No actual proposal has been made by the Commission on this matter.

In the event that a proposal is made it will be discussed by officials from every Member State. As the Deputy will be aware proposals can be amended before agreement and and any proposal relating to tax require unanimous agreement from every Member State.

Without a proposal being advanced by the Commission I am not in a position to comment on President von der Leyen's views on waiving VAT to improve interoperability for Member States