Tax Exemptions

Thursday, 20 June 2024

Ceisteanna (202)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

202. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on the reply by the Minister for Finance to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 11 June 2024; his further views on whether the VAT exemption for counsellors and psychotherapists should be implemented ahead of the opening of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board; if he is pursuing this position with the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26562/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy Stephen Donnelly)

The Deputy should note that tax policy, including the application of VAT exemptions, is a matter for the Minister for Finance. As I previously mentioned, my Department has become aware of inconsistencies in the Department of Finance’s tax policy in relation to regulated and unregulated professions, including in relation to counsellors and psychotherapists. My Department is committed to engaging further with colleagues in the Department of Finance on these issues to ensure alignment of tax policy with national health policies.