asked the Minister for Finance the number of hurleys sold in Ireland in 1982; the amount of VAT collected from the sale of these hurleys; and if he will remove VAT from the sale of all hurleys immediately.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers - Sale of Hurleys.
4.
No statistics are available regarding the number or value of hurleys sold in Ireland in 1982 from which a reliable estimate of the appropriate VAT collected can be established. As stated in my reply of 1 June last to similar questions, I do not propose to remove the VAT chargeable on the supply of hurleys immediately. In the normal way I will, of course, be looking at the matter again in the context of the next budget.
Did the Minister tell the House that he had not a figure available for the amount of VAT collected on the sale of hurleys?
Yes.
Will the Minister agree that the amount of VAT collected from this source is very small?
In terms of total revenue.
Will the Minister agree that hurling, our national game, is recognised internationally as one of the most skilful games played? Will the Minister agree that we all have a duty to promote this wonderful healthy pursuit rather than having the Government involved in spending a lot of money financing our health services? Will the Minister indicate to the House on this the eve of the centenary of the association if he will consider abolishing VAT on hurleys completely in the forthcoming budget?
With regard to the last part of the Deputy's question, I have already told the House that this is one of the matters I will be considering in the budget. With regard to the earlier part of the Deputy's question, I have to tell him that I do not know how much VAT is collected on hurleys. VAT is not collected and recorded on the basis of the type of products involved, it is collected and recorded on the basis of the rates at which it is applied. We do not have separate statements from those selling hurleys to the effect that they collect £x of VAT on hurleys, £y on brush handles and £z on other sporting goods. The amount is not separately identified in that way.
Is the Minister aware that many people who are involved in the manufacture of hurleys in a small way are going out of business because of VAT? Is the Minister aware that this is leading to a scarcity of hurleys and as a result hurleys are getting dearer? Hurleys cost now between £7 and £8 each. Will the Minister give us an indication that he will abolish VAT on hurleys in the forthcoming budget as a gesture to our people who cherish this national game?
The Deputy is repeating himself.
I dislike saying that I told the Deputy twice already that this is a matter I would consider in the context of the budget. I will not give any further or more specific commitment than that.
The Minister told the House that it was not possible to ascertain the level of VAT on hurleys but is the Minister aware that when I was Minister for Finance the Revenue Commissioners were able to give me in 1980 an estimate of the amount of VAT collected on the sale of hurleys? If it is not possible to remove VAT on hurleys, in view of the significance of what Deputy Treacy said about the centenary of the GAA, will the Minister consider making an appropriate grant to recognise the role of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael ansec in Éirinn and promote the type of healthy recreation Deputy Treacy spoke of?
If the Deputy feels like asking me a question as Gaeilge he should do so. The information given to the Deputy when in office as Minister for Finance was based on a rough unofficial estimate of hurley sales. It was not an estimate of the amount of VAT collected on the sale of hurleys. The figure was built up from an unofficial estimate of hurley sales and what the resulting yield of VAT would have been at the then prevailing rate. Since I am concerned to give the House accurate information I have said, carefully and truthfully, that we do not separately distinguish the amount of VAT collected on the sale of hurleys.
I do not expect the Minister to give the precise figures because I know they are not available. I told the Minister that he could get an unofficial estimate, as I got.
The Deputy should have read the footnote.