Dáil Question to the Minister for Health

To ask the Minister for Health his views in relation to the proposed impact of a sugar tax on the food and drinks industry; its international success rate of reducing consumption of unhealthy foods; if he will consider the possibility of reducing VAT for some healthier foods in order to neutralise the impact of inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Reply from Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly T.D.

During 2011 I established a Special Action Group on Obesity comprising key stakeholders and chaired by my own Department.   Its remit is to examine and progress a number of issues to address the complex and multi-factorial problem of obesity. Alone no single initiative will reverse the trend, but a combination of measures should make a difference.

The Special Action Group on Obesity (SAGO), has recommended the introduction of a Sugar Sweetened Drinks tax as a priority action. My Department established a Steering Group to oversee the carrying out of a Health Impact Assessment on the health and economic aspects of introducing such a tax and the Institute of Public Health has facilitated my Department with this assessment.

The Health Impact Assessment Report was presented to me at a meeting of the Special Action Group on Obesity last week. Myself and my officials are considering the HIA Report and will use this as part of the decision making process regarding any possible introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks.

The responsibility of VAT on food and drink products rests with the Minister for Finance and I would point out that most staple healthy foods are zero rated for VAT.