Minister for Health James Reilly reportedly sought to introduce a 20% tax on 'sugary' drinks in last October's Budget, according to Freedom of Information documents published in the Irish Times.
In a letter seen by the paper, Minister Reilly wrote to Finance Minister Michael Noonan, proposing the introduction of a levy on certain drinks, suggesting that the measure would gain public support.
“One recommendation in this report is to impose a levy of 20 per cent on sugar-sweetened drinks given that the scientific evidence has become stronger over the past year," the Minister wrote. "This proposal would reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and generate significant income for the exchequer. I am therefore requesting that you introduce this as a key public health measure in the 2014 budget.”
According to the paper, no reply was issued from the Department of Finance to Minister Reilly on the matter. Budget 2014 was passed without the introduction of a levy, however duty increases on alcohol and cigarettes was introduced.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
