EU blamed for VAT on life-saving machines

THE medical profession and sporting/voluntary bodies believe that ready access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death.

I recently proposed a notice of motion to Kerry County Council calling on the Government to waive the 21% VAT on these life-saving machine.

The response from the Department of Finance states that due to EU rules, it is unable to accede to the request.

It is surely bureaucratic nonsense to punish clubs or any other voluntary organisations which are committed to the wellbeing of their members and of society in general.

EU membership should not result in our Government being denied flexibility in matters of genuine concern to people. Government should exist to enhance the overall quality of citizens’ lives and the EU should not have dictatorial power to extinguish that duty.

Cllr Michael Gleeson

South Kerry Independent Alliance

Clasheen

Killarney

Co Kerry