Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
222. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Finance if the recent announcement to make solar panels VAT-exempt will be applied so as to refund the VAT portion to those who placed orders prior to the announcement; and if there will be a retrospective clawback for those who have purchased and fitted in 2023. [26150/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware VAT operates on two monthly cycles, consequently the Dáil passed a Financial Resolution on 18 April 2023 to allow this important measure in relation to solar panels to come into effect on 1 May, which was the start of the next VAT period.
If I had waited until the Finance Bill passed through the Oireachtas and was signed into law, the measure would not had come into effect until 1 July. In order to prevent market dislocation by an extended lead in period for the measure I secured cabinet approval for the use of a Financial Resolution to bring forward the implementation date to 1 May.
The zero rate of VAT for solar panels can only operate from this date forward. I have no discretion to apply this measure on a retrospective basis.
