Ibec issued its Budget Submission yesterday, calling for a reduction in alcohol excise duties, which it said "are amongst the highest in the developed world and are driving inordinately high price levels."
The business group called for excise levels to be "reversed" over the coming years.
Among the other recommendations made were maintaining the 9% VAT rate for tourism and hospitality, reductions in the marginal rate of tax, and encouraging the government not to introduce discriminatory taxes on food and drink.
"Fiscal measures specifically aimed at altering behaviour are complex to design and can be highly unpredictable," it said in the submission. "Ireland already has a high tax regime on certain foods including beverages and confectionery.
"While the vast majority of foods in this country are zero rated, the standard rate of 23% VAT applies to soft drinks, crisps, chocolate, ice-cream and confectionery."
It added that discriminatory taxes on food would give a negative signal internationally, diminishing Ireland’s reputation as the “food island”.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
