EU ‘won’t allow Vat cut to help road safety’

The Department of Finance claims EU taxation laws rule out the possibility of the Government implementing a key recommendation in the current Road Safety Strategy.

Documents seen by the Irish Examiner show that the Road Safety Authority sought assistance from the Department of Finance in addressing two specific actions required under the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020.

Under the strategy’s action plan, the RSA was required to evaluate the cost-benefit of reducing Vat from personal protective equipment such as child restraints and motorcycle and bicycle helmets with a view towards increasing usage of the highest-quality equipment.