Pearse Doherty
Ceist:226. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered the proposal to introduce a fizzy drink tax; and if so, the amount of revenue such a tax has the potential to raise. [30649/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 June 2013
Ceisteanna (226)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Health established a Special Action Group on Obesity (SAGO) to examine and progress a number of issues to address the problem of overweight and obesity, particularly in children. I understand that SAGO are calling for consideration to be given to taxation measures being applied to all foods and drinks high in fat and sugar. A detailed assessment would need to be carried out prior to the introduction of a fizzy drink tax. This assessment would need to consider the possible impact a tax of this nature would have on employment, the less well off, cross border trading in the absence of a similar measure being introduced in the UK. In the absence of this assessment I am unable to advise the Deputy the revenue that would be raised for the Exchequer if one were to be introduced.