Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 1

Written Answers. - VAT on Newspapers.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

58 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money received by the Exchequer each year over the past five years from VAT on newspapers; the plans, if any, he has to change the VAT situation on newspapers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14532/96]

Bertie Ahern

Question:

71 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the amount of VAT raised in the latest year for which figures are available on newspapers and magazines. [14728/96]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 71 together. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, based on the latest information available, the estimated VAT yield from newspapers was as follows.

	£ million
1991	16
1992	19
1993	25
1994	27
1995	22

The estimated yield from magazines in 1995 was £2 million. I have no plans to change the VAT situation on newspapers. I have set out my views on the matter clearly on a number of occasions in this House and elsewhere.

I am, of course, aware of the report of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry which was recently presented to my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, and which has received considerable attention in the media. Its findings will be considered carefully by the Government.