asked the Minister for Finance the reason he accepted proposals for the harmonisation of VAT rates at the Council of Ministers' meeting in September 1988, expecially in view of the undertakings given during the referendum campaign on the Single European Act; if he will outline what has been agreed to in relation to VAT rates and excise rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - VAT and Excise Rates.
25.
I would refer the Deputy to my Budget Statement on 25 January 1989 in which I outlined the Government's position as well as the stage reached in the discussions on the Commission's proposals for indirect tax harmonisation. There have been no developments of any significance since then. At this stage there is no agreement on the Council of Ministers on the degree of harmonisation to be undertaken or the specific rates or bands to apply to individual taxes. I will keep the House informed of developments.