Michael Ring
Question:169. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the reason a publication (details supplied) is not included in a zero rate of VAT in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30811/24]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
169. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the reason a publication (details supplied) is not included in a zero rate of VAT in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30811/24]
View answerMagazines are included within the term ‘periodicals’. This includes weekly magazines and sectoral publications covering sport, entertainment, fashion, health, etc. that are published regularly or occasionally.
Point (6) of Annex III of the VAT Directive allows for the application of a reduced rate of VAT or zero-rate to periodicals, including magazines. However, the VAT Directive does not distinguish between types of periodicals. A zero-rating could not be introduced in respect of ‘magazines’ only, instead it would have to cover all periodicals regardless of the type and content of the publication. The estimated annual cost of such a measure is €15m.
It should also be noted that periodicals supplied in both physical and digital formats already benefit from the second reduced rate of VAT of 9%.