Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 4

Written Answers. - Budget Proposals.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

58 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that have been taken to ensure that the reductions in VAT and excise duties announced in the budget are passed on to consumers; if her attention has been drawn in particular to allegations that filling stations may not have passed on the full decrease; if she has satisfied herself that the Director of Consumer Affairs has sufficient staff and resources to monitor prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2994/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

I publicly called, in late December 2000, for the reduction in VAT and excise duty to be passed onto consumers. However, I must point out to the Deputy that there is no legal obligation on retailers to pass on VAT reductions to consumers. Accordingly, there is no basis for the Director of Consumer Affairs to enforce any such reductions. However, my colleague the Minister for Finance indicated in his budget speech that he would monitor the situation.