Mr. John-Mark McCafferty:

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is neither anti-property tax nor pro-property tax. We are working on the assumption that a property tax is being introduced next year. Therefore we have made a submission based on the fairest way to proceed. Clearly a flat rate is not the fairest way. If this is to come in, then it needs both to reflect wealth in terms of the value of the property and also, crucially, to reconcile the household's ability to pay. That is fundamental. We are also conscious that it is being introduced in the context of increased and increasing energy costs and also some kind of water charge. We are very much aware that these are increasing impositions on people's income at a time of static and, in many cases, reduced incomes, particularly for people on social welfare. It is a difficult circle to square.

On the wider issue of broadening the tax base, at this stage we do not have a detailed macroeconomic analysis with specific tax proposals, which is a matter for Government. However, the Government must ensure that the repayment of the banking debt and the servicing of interest on the debt are not prioritised over the provision of essential income supports and services. We are very keen on the Government commitment to eliminate waste, reduce the non-core costs and improve efficiency across the sector. That is part of our package when it comes to public expenditure and reform.