Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure whether Ms Walshe or Dr. Walsh wishes to take this question. What are their opinions on the Grant Thornton report on LPT and its possible alternatives? Are there better alternatives to LPT that would provide funding for local government? Deputy Doherty, Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson, and our wider party have advocated that a wealth tax would be a more equitable measure. As was noted, some people defer the payment of LPT because of an inability to pay it.

It does not take account of people's ability to pay the tax. A wealth tax would probably be more equitable. Have the witnesses any thoughts on that?

Ms Walshe said that 44,000 people defer payment. Some 43,000 deferrals related to income. Does that deferral build up constantly over the years? Surely that has a negative effect on people? They are running up a bill which they are unable to pay.