Fianna Fáil Spokesman on Public Expenditure and Financial Sector Reform Michael McGrath TD has said the Government’s decision to specifically exclude fuel, such as electricity and gas, from the reduction of VAT will come as a blow to thousands of struggling households around the country.

 

“We heard a great deal from Fine Gael and Labour in Opposition about fuel poverty. Now in power and faced with a glorious opportunity to reduce utility bills for householders, they have decided not to reduce the VAT on fuel. They have decided to prioritise reducing VAT on golf club green fees and hairdressing services over expensive gas and electricity bills.”

 

“In addition, the Government missed an opportunity to stimulate activity in the construction sector by excluding building services from the VAT reduction. With thousands of construction workers now on the live register, the VAT reduction could have given a much-needed boost to the sector. Instead, the Government has decided to apply the VAT stimulus merely to the tourism sector,” stated Deputy McGrath.