I raise the issue of the proposed VAT rate on vitamins and supplements in the upcoming budget. A decision in this regard was deferred last March. The Tánaiste will probably not comment on the budget and is not privy to the finer details. Supplements and vitamins currently attract a zero rate of VAT. If the 23% rate is applied to them, this will place an unfair financial burden on many people who use them. The VAT rate on fast food is 13.5% but the Government wants to apply a rate of 23% to vitamins and supplements that are good for us. This does not make sense. Perhaps the Tánaiste will comment on the matter. Will he ask the Minister for Finance not to apply this rate of VAT to vitamins and supplements?

This is a matter for the Government in the context of the budget. The Deputy will not have long to wait. The budget is only a couple of weeks away.