Charities call for support for VAT return

The Irish Charities Tax Reform Group has called on candidates in the upcoming local and European elections to back its campaign for charities to be allowed to reclaim VAT.

The group, which is made up of 137 charitable organisations, said candidates should show their support for the vital services provided by Irish charities by backing the campaign.

The group said around €18m is collected from charities every year by the Revenue Commissioners.