Jack Wall
Ceist:191 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance his views in relation to the security of 500 jobs in the cider industry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22599/02]
Written Answers. - Alcohol Industry.
From the details supplied, the Deputy appears to refer to the issue of excise duty on cider. In budget 2002 I increased the rate of excise duty on cider and brought it in line with that levied on beers. It should be noted that beer and cider are competing products. I have received pre-budget submissions about the excise duty on cider which will be considered along with all pre-budget submissions. As the Deputy is aware, it is not customary for the Minister for Finance to indicate in advance what measures, if any, will be taken in the budget.