The response from Fine Gael: 15/05/02

Thank you very much for your recent email concerning VAT on charities.

Fine Gael has been examining this complex area and in government will seek ways distinguish those bodies that are not for profit (eg, some sport and social club which do laudable work) from primarily charitable organisations.

At present, both may have charitable status for tax purposes. Devising suitable criteria to distinguish between both types of organisation will underpin our approach on the alleviation of the VAT burden for charitable organisations.

It is an issue that we will examine carefully and to which we will give a priority in government.

Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to contact me on this issue.

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

MICHAEL NOONAN
LEADER
FINE GAEL