VAT rebate for farmers
Deputy Cahill asked that guidelines on the VAT rebate for unregistered farmers be produced quickly so the position can be restored on reclaimable infrastructure items. The Tánaiste said progress had been made and he would press the Finance Minister to ensure the Revenue meetings proceed.
The Revenue Commissioners appeared as witnesses before the agriculture committee last week on the subject of the VAT rebate for farmers who are unregistered for VAT. A good deal of progress has been made on this issue. The Revenue Commissioners have committed to having meetings with the stakeholders to produce guidelines as to what is VAT refundable for unregistered farmers. The Tánaiste should use his good offices to ensure this happens as quickly as possible in order that the status quo can be restored as regards the infrastructure items on which VAT can be reclaimed.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Cahill for raising the issue. I am aware that he has been very focused on raising this issue on a consistent basis and I am glad that progress has been achieved as a result of his advocacy in respect to the VAT rebate question for those in agriculture, and farming in particular. I will again speak to the Minister for Finance to ensure the meetings happen with the Revenue Commissioners and that progress ensues.