Charities challenge politicians on VAT

CHARITIES cannot reclaim VAT on expenditure like the business sector does.

This severely limits their work with the aged, the sick, people with disabilities and those most in need, both at home and abroad. It has a very human cost.

Charities pay approximately €25m in VAT annually. After discussions with the political parties we believe they all now accept the need to rectify this anomaly.

We seek a clear commitment from all political parties to include a VAT compensation scheme in the next programme for government, based on the voluntary fundraised income of charities and in the context of the recently published Charities Regulation Bill.

Conor Crowley

Alzheimer Society of Ireland Fergus Finlay

Barnardos Enda Egan

Carers’ Association Sr Celestine Farrissey

Charleville Sheltered Housing Services Tom Arnold

Concern Declan Jones

Focus Ireland John McCormack

Irish Cancer Society Michael O’Shea

Irish Heart Foundation Jonathan Irwin

Jack and Jill Foundation Cynthia Clampett

Mayo/Roscommon

Hospice Martha Hegarty

RESPECT Kieran Murphy

St Vincent de Paul.