The Minister for Finance said he had no plans to remove VAT from newspapers, which last year yielded the Exchequer Pounds 22 million.

However, Mr Quinn said that the Government would carefully consider the Report of the Commission on the Newspaper Industry, which has recommended its removal.

He was replying to a written question from the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, and the deputy leader, Ms Mary O'Rourke.