The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
VAT increase is “unfair” on the public
KERRY people are being urged to join the campaign to halt the introduction of the 23-per-cent VAT to be applied to all food supplements from March 1. Up until now, no VAT was applied to such products, which include vitamins and minerals.
Lilian Leask of Mary’s Organic Store in Milltown believes that this tax is “unfair” and feels it shows how the Government only wants to make money.
“I feel this VAT is entirely unfair and shows that the government’s interest is purely in making money and not in preserving the health of its country. If they wanted people to be well, healthy and independent in their health choices they would not be proposing this tax. It’s clear that keeping people sick and reliant on medication is good for business,” she said.
The health products industry has launched a campaign to appeal to the Revenue Commissioners and the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe to defer the application of 23-per-cent VAT on food supplements so as to allow the Government time to take advice and legislate. Deputy John Brassil is also calling on the Government to halt the introduction. A petition in Milltown has gathered more than 200 signatures and Lilian is calling on everyone to contact local TDs on the tax.