Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe 
Minister Paschal Donoghue was pressed by TD’s not to “bring candles into the VAT net”, stressing their importance for personal prayer.
The exchange occurred as a proposal in the Finance Bill 2020, which would introduce a tax on prayer candles, was being debated.
TD PeadarTóibín questioned the timing of the VAT change and highlighted the essential role candles play in personal prayer.
“Given what is happening to many people around the country and the fact that churches are closed which means that there is a lack of funding going into that sector, this seems a little petty,” MrTóibín said.
“People light candles and pray for a dead loved one or an issue of great importance to them,” he added. “Faith can offer strength to people to deal with some of the darkness we all experience at present.”
The Meath TD urged Minister Donoghue to reconsider the tax, while Pearse Doherty of Sinn Féin said this is a “burning issue for many”.
Minister Donoghue said he was aware of the financial pressure churches were under.
“If there are issues regarding the effect it will have on churches and on those who are helping parishioners who are very vulnerable, as they are now in 2020, I am happy to engage with them,” he said.
