Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tax Reliefs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

144 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a reply by the EU Commission (details supplied) indicating that VAT which is irrecoverable by charities can be refunded by way of a subsidy; and if he will consider this proposal. [16166/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I have no plans to provide any grant or subsidy of the sort described. The cost of such a subsidy would exceed €60 million at a minimum and could not be justified in view of the considerable and generous tax reliefs provided to the charitable sector.