Menu
23/06/2014
Majority Agree To Tax Sugary Drinks
The majority of the Irish public agree with a health-related tax on sugar sweetened drinks to help reduce childhood obesity, according to a recent poll carried out for the Irish Heart Foundation by Ipsos MRBI.
A total of 52% of the public are in favour of the tax, compared to 46% against, while 87% of the population believe that sugar sweetened drinks contribute to obesity among children and young people.
"These figures clearly demonstrate that Irish people want the Government to take stronger action to tackle childhood obesity and that they understand the role that sugar sweetened drinks have in this developing health crisis," said Barry Dempsey, chief executive of the Irish Heart Foundation, the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke.
The Irish Heart Foundation is calling for a 20% tax on sugary drinks in the Budget. This would raise in the region of €60m in extra tax revenue. In the Budget, the Foundation is also asking for funding to be allocated towards subsidies on fruit and vegetables, along with the establishment of a Children's Health Fund to promote good nutrition through education and skills, as well as providing healthier meals in the country's schools.
Sugar sweetened drinks have little or no nutritional value and they are packed with calories. The introduction of a tax to drive down consumption of these beverages seems like a 'no-brainer to protect our children' said Barry Dempsey, speaking today at a seminar to consider this measure as one approach to tackle childhood obesity.
(CD)
A total of 52% of the public are in favour of the tax, compared to 46% against, while 87% of the population believe that sugar sweetened drinks contribute to obesity among children and young people.
"These figures clearly demonstrate that Irish people want the Government to take stronger action to tackle childhood obesity and that they understand the role that sugar sweetened drinks have in this developing health crisis," said Barry Dempsey, chief executive of the Irish Heart Foundation, the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke.
The Irish Heart Foundation is calling for a 20% tax on sugary drinks in the Budget. This would raise in the region of €60m in extra tax revenue. In the Budget, the Foundation is also asking for funding to be allocated towards subsidies on fruit and vegetables, along with the establishment of a Children's Health Fund to promote good nutrition through education and skills, as well as providing healthier meals in the country's schools.
Sugar sweetened drinks have little or no nutritional value and they are packed with calories. The introduction of a tax to drive down consumption of these beverages seems like a 'no-brainer to protect our children' said Barry Dempsey, speaking today at a seminar to consider this measure as one approach to tackle childhood obesity.
(CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 May 2009
No More Income Tax Hikes, Claims Lenihan
The Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has said there will be no further income tax increases this year. The vow comes only a month after the Government doubled the income levies in the emergency budget. Despite the assurances, Mr Lenihan has confirmed that a property tax and a carbon tax were being considered.
No More Income Tax Hikes, Claims Lenihan
The Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has said there will be no further income tax increases this year. The vow comes only a month after the Government doubled the income levies in the emergency budget. Despite the assurances, Mr Lenihan has confirmed that a property tax and a carbon tax were being considered.
07 May 2013
Generous Tax Breaks Sought For Executives Of Multinationals
Generous tax breaks for executives of multinational companies were sought ahead of the 2013 Budget, the Irish Times have reported. Last Decembers Budget contained measures that would allow high-salaried executives to move to Ireland and benefit from a lower income tax rate alongside relief on expenses for private school fees and trips home.
Generous Tax Breaks Sought For Executives Of Multinationals
Generous tax breaks for executives of multinational companies were sought ahead of the 2013 Budget, the Irish Times have reported. Last Decembers Budget contained measures that would allow high-salaried executives to move to Ireland and benefit from a lower income tax rate alongside relief on expenses for private school fees and trips home.
05 March 2014
Irish Heart Foundation Issues Wake-Up Call To 'Social Smokers'
On Ash Wednesday, Ireland's National No Smoking Day, 5th March, the Irish Heart Foundation has issued a wake-up call to 'social smokers' that they can triple their risk of heart disease if they continue smoking.
Irish Heart Foundation Issues Wake-Up Call To 'Social Smokers'
On Ash Wednesday, Ireland's National No Smoking Day, 5th March, the Irish Heart Foundation has issued a wake-up call to 'social smokers' that they can triple their risk of heart disease if they continue smoking.
19 February 2019
Urgent Action Needed On Outstanding Tax Payments Of €4.3bn
Labour has called for urgent action on outstanding tax payments of €4.3 billion owed to Revenue as of 31 January, 2019. According to Labour Finance spokesperson Joan Burton, a total of €969m is immediately available for collection and would make a significant difference to public services.
Urgent Action Needed On Outstanding Tax Payments Of €4.3bn
Labour has called for urgent action on outstanding tax payments of €4.3 billion owed to Revenue as of 31 January, 2019. According to Labour Finance spokesperson Joan Burton, a total of €969m is immediately available for collection and would make a significant difference to public services.
11 November 2016
Concerns Raised Over Impact Of Trump's Tax Plans On Ireland
Concerns have been raised over the impact of US President-Elect Donald Trump's plans to reduce American corporation tax to 15%. Sinn Féin and Labour have both called on the Government to address concerns over the impact such a tax policy could have on Ireland.
Concerns Raised Over Impact Of Trump's Tax Plans On Ireland
Concerns have been raised over the impact of US President-Elect Donald Trump's plans to reduce American corporation tax to 15%. Sinn Féin and Labour have both called on the Government to address concerns over the impact such a tax policy could have on Ireland.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
