We all know that the Tánaiste and many other Ministers were very embarrassed at the Taoiseach's gaffe last week with regard to trying to stop people eating beef. I also want to raise-----

That is misleading the Dáil.

I also want to talk about-----

That is fake news.

Can I go on or is "The Muppet Show" going to continue across the way?

Please do.

The Taoiseach did say it.

There is a lot at stake here.

I want to raise the proposed VAT increase on food supplements. I know it was discussed here earlier but the Member who raised it was not aware that in December I went through the official channels and raised this matter with the Taoiseach. He said there was no increase coming. Think about the total anomaly here. Our Government is trying to hurt our beef industry on the one hand and then at the same time it is telling people they should be eating healthier foods. The VAT on these health food supplements is increasing from 0% to 23% in March. This is going to devastate an industry. We are encouraging people to lead healthier lives while at the same time we are increasing the VAT on the food we are telling them to eat. For God's sake, will the Government try to get this right? There is no way in the world that the rate of VAT should be allowed to go from 0% to 23%. It is totally wrong.

Does the Government want to starve us altogether?

Please, Deputies. I call the Tánaiste.

I know the Tánaiste is embarrassed.

There is no fear of the Deputy starving. I am very familiar with the food industry and the issue of food supplements is important. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, has responded on this issue in some detail already today. This is a matter of interpretation by the Revenue Commissioners. The Minister has indicated he will ask that this issue be looked at and recommendations will come to the Government by the summer. On the broader beef issue, this Government has been, continues to be and always will be, as long as my party is involved in a Government in Ireland, supportive of the agricultural sector. The beef industry is an important part of that.

Tell that to the Taoiseach.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae misled the Dáil earlier. The Taoiseach did not say he was giving up beef. He, like any other person-----

He said that he was going to reduce it.

-----can make personal choices in respect of diet and health.

This Government remains a very strong and solid supporter of the agrifood industry and the beef industry.