Madam, - I take the opportunity to respond to John Elwes (July 31st) and to explain the reason for the price differential for Jameson Irish whiskey between Ireland and some of the countries he has recently visited.
Excise duty on whiskey in Ireland amounts to €10.99 per 70cl bottle. At the normal purchase price there is an additional VAT charge of €4.33, giving a total tax take of €15.32. In France, the combined excise and VAT is just €6.47, while in Japan the rate is lower again, at approximately €20 for the same 70cl bottle.
There is a direct correlation between the pricing in various markets and the tax rates applied. Within the European Union, Ireland is second only to Sweden in its high rate of spirits duty.
It is regrettable that Jameson or any Irish whiskey is so expensive in its country of origin. This has obvious implications for Irish consumers and tourists alike. - Yours, etc,
KIERAN TOBIN, Communications & Corporate Affairs Director, Irish Distillers, Smithfield, Dublin 7.