Mr. Paul Ginnell:

It is about the tax reliefs in different areas, including property tax reliefs. There has been some attempt to address these and other forms of reliefs. Members will be aware there has been a lot of discussion on pensions recently. Many of these tax reliefs benefit people who are better off. Currently, Ireland's tax expenditure level is much higher than the EU average. We will look at how over a three year period, at least, Ireland's tax reliefs and expenditures can be brought down to the EU average. There is also a need for a real assessment of the economic and social benefit of those tax reliefs currently available. This will be done in a forensic manner, taking account of who benefits and the broader benefits for society and the economy.

Another issue raised is the number of people at the top end who benefit because they are tax exiles. As I understand, the current amount in this regard is €200,000. We propose that tax exile loopholes be closed off by making citizenship the basis for taxation. In this regard, high earners above a particular threshold are our focus. Consideration would need to be given to how to identify people who are using tax havens in terms of their tax approach.

We have also submitted proposals on how to address the current focus around corporation tax and in respect of a number of other issues. Currently, income tax levels here are broadly similar to those in other EU countries in terms of GDP take. It is in the area of tax take in relation to social insurance and local government that Ireland is weak. I note current discussion around the property tax is that this money would go to local government. We have also submitted proposals in relation to this issue. While our income tax take is broadly similar to that of other countries, we have issues in that regard. We have also submitted a proposal which seeks to address the issue of tax expenditures. I hope I have answered all of the Deputy's questions.