Sinn Féin’s VAT on milk cartons leaves a sour taste – Lombard

Sinn Féin’s supposed financial guru who wants to be Finance Minister doesn’t even know what is involved in pricing a carton of milk, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Speaking on Newstalk on Tuesday, Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty claimed people pay VAT every time they buy a carton of milk.

Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard, a farmer in Cork, said this is completely wrong and false.

“There is no VAT on milk contrary to what Pearse claims live on national radio. It is 0% rated.

“If Sinn Féin can’t get this simple fact right, can you imagine what they would be like trying to manage with a cost of living crisis, international inflation and war putting pressure on energy supplies,” Senator Lombard said.

Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show on Tuesday, Deputy Doherty said, ‘Every time they walk into the shop and buy a carton of milk, they are paying VAT.’

Senator Lombard said he was stunned with the claim regarding a most basic staple of every Irish household.

“A litre of Tesco fresh milk will today cost €1.15 and the same for a Super Valu branded carton but there is no VAT paid on it.

“Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax charged on the sale of goods or services. It is usually included in the price of most products and services, at 23%. There is no VAT or a 0% rating on milk, bread, coffee, tea, books, oral medicine, disability aids such as wheelchairs, crutches and hearing aids.

“The claims from the Sinn Féin financial guru leave a sour taste. Are they trying to make life more difficult for dairy farmers?

“Sinn Féin cannot be trusted. Sinn Féin are a high tax, anti-jobs party who would wreck the economy. They deleted their alternative Budget from their website previously. They simply can’t stand scrutiny.

“Who knows what Sinn Féin would add VAT to? Will they start with a carton of milk as many will be wondering now after these comments from Deputy Doherty,” Senator Lombard said.