Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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374.To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 11 June 2024, the engagements he has had with colleagues in the Department of Health in respect of a VAT exemption for counsellors and psychotherapists since May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32775/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As previously outlined , the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under our legislation the provision of medical care services by recognised medical professionals are exempt from VAT. However in order for them to be exempt, there has to be a formal registration process thus explaining why counsellors and psychotherapists cannot qualify for the exemption until the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board is opened.

I understand that officials in my Department met with their counterparts in the Department of Health on 15 February in relation to this and other tax matters and have advised them that the VAT exemption in question will apply from the date of registration by the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board. Following this meeting I understand further correspondence issued to the Department of Health on 10 April.

As the Deputy will be aware, questions on the establishment of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board and their progress in opening their register are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health.