Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
140. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the increase in excise duty on beer, spirits and wine; if he has any plans to re-think the excise duties before the Finance Bill comes into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1262/13]
View answerAs I am sure the Deputy is aware there has been no general increase in the tax on alcohol products since 1994. Prior to Budget 2013 there were no increases on Beer since 1994. Excise on cider was increased in Budget 2002 to bring it into line with the rate for beer. Excise on spirits was increased the following year, and this increase was also applied to spirits-based alcopops. Excise on wine, with pro-rata increases for certain fermented and intermediate products, was increased in Budget 2009. There was a general decrease in rates for all alcohol products, of around 20% (inclusive of VAT), in Budget 2010. There was no change in Budgets 2011 and 2012. The Deputy should note that a 10 cent increase on beer still leaves the excise duty on beer below the 2010 level.
The expected yield from these increases in alcohol products tax is approximately €180 million, a significant part of the overall increased revenue requirement for 2013. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the excise duty on alcohol in the context of the Finance Bill.
