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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Jan 1972

Vol. 258 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tax on Newspapers.

49.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the west of Ireland sector of the newspaper industry is facing a grave threat due to taxation burdens; and if, in view of the fact that the livelihood of a large number of people is involved, he will take immediate steps to alleviate the position.

50.

asked the Minister for Finance whether any amelioration in the present tax on newspapers is under consideration for the forthcoming Budget.

I propose, with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together.

I cannot indicate in advance what proposals the Budget may or may not contain. However, as already announced, I have sympathetically considered the position of the newspaper industry, especially the provincial newspapers, in the context of the proposed value-added tax and the Bill at present before the House provides that value-added tax on newspapers will be at the rate of 5.26 per cent—the same rate as will apply to such essential commodities as food, clothing and medicines. This is substantially less than the wholesale tax at 10 per cent and turnover tax at 5 per cent which apply at present to newspapers. It is not possible for value-added tax purposes to differentiate between newspapers on the basis of the place where they are published and sold.

Would the Minister tell us when he intends to go ahead with the value-added tax?

This depends on the parliamentary programme. What happened last night may speed it up a little, I do not know.

Will the Minister answer me? When does he intend to do it?

The Deputy might have asked me when do I intend to go ahead with the legislation about the Public Service Department or a number of other things. I will go ahead with them as quickly as I can get them on. I cannot control the parliamentary programme.

After certain other legislation has been passed. I believe the Minister has dropped the Bill, and rightly so.

I have not dropped the Bill.

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