Removal of VAT on newspapers saves jobs and supports journalism

Local Ireland, the association representing 42 weekly paid-for newspapers around the country, has welcomed today’s decision by the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe to remove VAT on newspapers in line with other EU countries.

President of Local Ireland Declan McGuire said: “This is a very important move for news publishers.

“Zero per cent VAT will allow local newspapers around Ireland to invest in journalism and in the transition to new digital business models.

“News publishers have faced a series of major challenges over recent years, most recently the huge increases in the cost of newsprint.

"This move will help support jobs in the industry and sustain the quality of our service to readers.

“We very much appreciate this endorsement by government for the valuable role we play in our communities and the public service content we provide.

"I thank the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and all the Ministers, TDs and Senators from across the political spectrum who have given their support to our campaign to end VAT on journalism.”

Executive Director of Local Ireland Bob Hughes said: “Local news publishers are the lifeblood of the communities they serve.

"Along with our national colleagues represented by NewsBrands Ireland, we play a vital role in Ireland’s democracy.

“Today’s decision will protect the future of trusted, professional journalism in Ireland against the tide of global disinformation that threatens to undermine healthy democratic debate and analysis.”

Oireachtas members all over the country have been thanked for their support of the campaign.

Last week Cavan TD Deputy Brendan Smith voiced his support for an end to tax on journalism in Dáil Éireann.

READ MORE:

TD urges minister to remove VAT on newspapers

Editor of The Anglo-Celt, Linda O'Reilly, who also appeared on the Tonight Show on Virginia Media last night on the issue, has also welcomed the removal of VAT on print and digital newspaper products from January.

"This is an investment in independent local journalism. It will allow news publishers like The Anglo-Celt retain their journalistic resources and releases revenue to invest in digital technologies and training and upskilling journalists in multi-media and mobile journalism.

"This newspaper pledges to continue to serve our readers with relevant, informative and engaging stories and content in a fair and balanced way from a source they can trust. These will be delivered on your medium of choice - in print, online and on social media channels.

"Thanks to our readers for their continued support and also to government for this low-cost policy intervention (€18.5M to our industry), which keeps journalists on the ground in communities all over Ireland shining a light on the issues that matter.

"We will continue to be your eyes and ears and hold politicians and those in positions of authority to account."

#journalismmatters