Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2020
66. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to the requests of the beauty sector to have the VAT rate reduced in view of the ongoing difficulties encountered by this industry, in the forthcoming Finance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32254/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe VAT rates applying in Ireland are subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. While hairdressing services will apply the 9% rate from 1 November, services consisting of the care of the human body, including beauticians, are subject to the 13.5% rate.
This arises from the fact that many of goods and services to which Ireland applies a reduced rate of VAT, including services related to care of the human body, have their basis under an EU derogation that provides that as Ireland applied a reduced rate to these items on 1 January 1991, we are entitled to continue applying that reduced rate to those items. However, this is conditional on the rate being no less than 12%. These are known as ‘parked’ items, and are provided for under Article 118 of the EU VAT Directive. As the services provided by beauticians are part of these parked items, it is not possible for Ireland to apply the rate of 9% to them.
