Row as Irish dancing Vat outstrips lapdancing rate

There have been renewed calls for an overhaul of the Vat system after complaints that lapdancing clubs are paying less than Irish dancing schools.

Independent MEP Nessa Childers said that the Vat regime in some cases “makes no sense” and was in need of reform.

The issue came under renewed focus when a caller to RTÉ’s Liveline, John Fennell, explained how he was paying the 23% Vat rate on his newly established School of Set Dancing in Kilrush, Co Clare, which he claimed was unfair and “discriminatory and mind-boggling”, particularly given Irish dancing’s role in Irish culture.