Sir, Take your standard rate of VAT 21 per cent apply it to your children and their minder (creche). First, we must ascertain what proportion of the child is the educational part. Their brains, maybe. . . or their hands. . . or their arms . . . or their legs. For the correct answer, seek a copy of the EU Sixth VAT Directive of 1997.
I would like to express my objection to the plans of the present Government to apply 21 per cent VAT to creche and child minding services. I have two very young children in a creche and should the Government introduce the 21 per cent rate, it will not be the creches that will foot the bill but the parents. I for one, cannot afford to hand out an extra £26 weekly.
The creche my children attend provides them with a secure environment and professionally trained child minders, and hence I can go to work with peace of mind. Does the same Government that introduced a Childcare Act this year, to improve childcare facilities, now want to make it unaffordable for parents? The creches pay PAYE and PRSI on the child minders they employ. On the introduction of 21 per cent I, along with other parents, will be forced to pay somebody in the black economy to mind our children in their home.
May the Government take my address and follow up on my tax evasion, should they introduce the 21 per cent VAT, and also take my address so they don't come to my door canvassing. Yours, etc.,
Glencairn Drive, Leopardstown Valley, Dublin 18.