Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

The tax strategy paper, and the ESRI's presentation, accept that carbon tax a regressive tax as currently operated. It hits the poorest income deciles harder as a percentage of income. Has the ESRI examined the proposal by Dr. James Hansen for a fee and dividend model? As it would be charged at the point of entry of carbon into the economy, it would be primarily charged on fossil fuel companies and then a 100% dividend would be provided back to people. It has the benefit of the impact on consumer choices which the ESRI is discussing, but without having the regressive effect of charging people for things they have no choice in. Has the ESRI considered that or will it do so in its current carbon tax paper?