So why, when we talk about importing into Ireland from outside the EU, for example in @John-r's recent case, do people say things like this?
Irrespective of whether a non-EU retailer applies VAT to their postage fees or not, it would appear that for the customer, in Ireland, buying from outside the EU, there IS VAT charged on the postage.
Is that the bottom line?
Yes, there is Irish VAT charged on postage fees for items bought outside the EU?