Call for reversal of plan to impose a 23% VAT on food supplements

MAYO TD Lisa Chambers has called for a complete reversal of the decision to impose a 23% VAT rate on food supplements.

The Castlebar-based representative said: “I welcome the decision by Revenue to defer any VAT increase on food supplements until after Budget 2020 is decided.

“My party worked hard to achieve this deferral in the interest of fairness for the people who would be impacted. It is only right that this matter be properly considered and that a public consultation would take place.

“However, I believe that imposing a VAT of 23% on food supplements is completely unfair and unjust and any decision to impose VAT on food supplements should be completely reversed

“To hit people on this level is cruel and is further evidence of the lack of empathy this Government has. People are taking various food supplements for a range of different reasons in an effort to live a healthier life. Many have chronic illnesses that require certain food supplements to manage and cope with their illness.

“This government have allowed a two tier health systems develop in this country, imposing vat on food supplements hits the most vulnerable people in our society and adds to the overwhelming costs that people already pay in terms of huge hospital and medication bills,” she said

“Clearly this government is forgetting about people who cannot afford health insurance and are struggling to live on disability payments.

“There is absolutely no doubt that this change will have a detrimental impact on people’s lives as well as the sector and I am calling on the covernment intervene and postpone this decision indefinitely.”