VAT Rate Application

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015

Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Questions (241)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

241. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Finance with value added tax of 23% currently payable on all broadcasting and electronic services provided to consumers of digital content, if he has examined allocating value added tax receipts accruing to the Exchequer to fund public broadcasting and digital content; if he has had discussions with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources concerning this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24768/15]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

In general I am not in favour of hypothecation of taxes as it constrains the Government's scope on expenditure decisions and can distort the allocation of resources. Therefore, I have not examined allocating Value Added Tax receipts accruing to the Exchequer to fund public broadcasting and digital content. Similarly, I have not discussed this issue with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.