Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

During the Celtic tiger years, the tax on unearned income rather than earned income was lowered. That needs to be addressed now given we do not have any capital gains tax receipts and so on. Much of the reason older people in this society do not suffer from extreme poverty in older age is they tend to own their homes. Have the groups taken into account the impact of property taxes on people no longer investing in property or not acquiring it in the first instance? Reference was made to the difference in tax yields between Ireland and other European countries. Have the groups taken into account that other countries may have higher tax takes but they also have offer better health, education and social welfare benefits? Are they sure they are comparing like with like? These are thoughts for their consideration.

We are running out of time. I will offer everybody 30 seconds to make a final contribution. What is the one message they want to give the Minister for Finance?