4th June 2004.
Election Candidates Challenged to Support Charities

European and local election candidates countrywide have been urged to support the vital services offered by Irish charities by backing their call for tax reform.

Every year, an estimated €18 million is claimed by the Revenue Commissioners from Irish charities in un-repayable VAT charges on goods and services. Irish charities supporting the often forgotten people in society are paying 21% more for their goods and services than the commercial sector.

As part of its ongoing campaign to bring about tax reform, the 137 charities who make up the Irish Charities Tax Reform Group (ICTRG) are urging candidates in the upcoming local and European elections to support their campaign for tax reform and allow charities to reclaim VAT.

ICTRG Chairperson, Niamh Ni Chonghaile, stated: “The VAT burden hampers the ability of Irish charities to conduct their affairs and bring vital services to the vulnerable people in our society. Millions of euro are claimed every year in tax demands. There is a human cost to this tax burden. Every euro paid out in VAT is a euro less spent on services for the homeless, people with an intellectual disability, the elderly, the sick … the list goes on. VAT reform is badly needed and long overdue. We want our aspiring political leaders to join our campaign and in this way to indirectly support their most vulnerable constituents. “

For more information, please contact:
Caroline Lynch, Montague Communications,

Tel: (Office) 01- 837 79 60.
(Mobile) 087-6807354