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THE FRENCH PARLIAMENT has voted to introduce a tax on soft drinks for the first time in the country’s history – pledging to use the proceeds to help fight its rising obesity.
The vote, passed on Friday, will add at least an extra 2c to the price of a standard 330ml can – with the extra revenue being split between payments to agricultural workers and for the government’s healthcare campaigns.
Reuters reports that the tax was ultimately given government backing once the original proposals were amended to levy the tax on diet drinks – a move which won the support of the budget minister, Valerie Pecresse.
The tax has been slammed by the food industry; a statement from the Ania union said the tax would hurt the agriculture sector by over twice the amount the tax would raise.
“How about a tax on future pleasure?” the statement argued.
The tax is expected to bring in around €280m, with analysts saying the average retail price of soft drinks would rise by between 2 and 4 per cent.
Ireland’s minister for health James Reilly has previously confirmed that the prospect of a similar sugar tax is being considered by a special action group on obesity.
Great group of guys, real heros.
Give up their time and use their own bikes and insurance and out 24/7 in all weathers!
If only we had TDs and Senators with this commitment!
@Jarlath Murphy: No they don’t. Group bikes. But great guys alright
@dstaffx: When they started out they did and when they need an extra bike they will use it!
Don’t know where you’re getting your facts from but all groups have their own bikes, always have.
@Jarlath Murphy: Never used their own bikes always Charity bikes used
@Jarlath Murphy: there’s a few girls doing it too! I’ve nothing but admiration and respect for each and every one of you. Truly making a difference :)
These Lads are truly gentlemen ‘ goes to show you that there’s decent people out there after all
Well done Lads & Thanks
Respect !
Used to do this 25 years ago in London.. would love to get involved again .. hives you great satisfaction….
@Dan: what’s stopping you, we’re all over the country. Find your local group.
Galway, first ever group, info@bloodbikewest.ie , if you’re in limerick look up Bloodbike Midwest, south look up Bloodbike south, Leinster, look up Bloodbike Leinster. East as above.
We are always looking for riders, controllers, fundraisers and event co-ordinations.
Oops forgot Bloodbike northwest, based in Donegal, and Bloodbike Dublin
We in Bloodbike west are also on 24hr cover from now till the 2nd January.
Blood Bike Leinster are also on 24hr cover all over the Christmas and New Year.
Why not visit our page we are always looking for riders, drivers in our Kildare and Mullingar depot, if you think you are interested why not email us at info@bloodbikes.ie
Aren’t bloodbikes east the one with an ambulance for since odd reason and drivers using blue lights?
@Karl: yes, I can see it in the video. Bloodbikes are not allowed have or use blue lights and Google will show that they are unpopular because their behaviour makes the genuine riders look like clowns.
Don’t shoot the messenger but these guys are not the heroes of the bloodbike groups, they are the cowboys
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