Madam, - To reduce the number of motorcycle casualties, the Minister for Transport plans several welcome measures. These include raising the minimum age to 17 and introducing compulsory rider training (Motors, October 22nd). Perhaps as a further step he could persuade the Minister for Finance to reduce the punitive 21 per cent VAT on helmets - the wearing of which is compulsory.
The UK government has recognised the benefits of riders spending more on safety equipment and, as a result, helmets there are zero-rated for VAT. - Yours, etc.,
DAVID POWER,
Griffeen Valley,
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Lucan,
Co Dublin.