Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019
94. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if he will hold an industry-wide retail export scheme consultation which will include a review of the €175 threshold that will apply to the VAT retail export scheme in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42537/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance his policy in respect of the retail export scheme in particular the proposed €175 VAT refund threshold in the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42538/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
The Retail Export Scheme allows persons who are resident outside the EU and who make purchases of goods in the EU to avail of a refund of the VAT charged on these goods where the goods are exported from the EU by the tourist or traveller within three months of purchase. The UK will become a 3rd country and UK residents will become eligible for the scheme post Brexit.
The Government's intention is to provide reciprocal protection to the UK if they decide to restrict the introduction of their VAT Retail Scheme, in the event of a no-deal Brexit. However should the UK apply an unrestricted Retail Export Scheme, Ireland will not commence the precautionary sections, and an unrestricted VAT Retail Export Scheme will operate between jurisdictions.
The proposed measures, while precautionary, were influenced by i) the potential for significant Exchequer impacts as a result of the expansion of the schemes, ii) the potential impacts on Government health and welfare policies and iii) the potential risk of fraud in the application of the VAT Retail scheme.
