Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is very interesting. A few years ago I saw on Twitter or similar that The Economisthad done some kind of study.

It was about what most millionaires have in common and whether their parents were millionaires. One would not really have needed to conduct a study to come to that conclusion.

It is quite an interesting discussion. I am interested in the issue of wealth and equality and intergenerational wealth and equality. I have watched how near-zero interest rates and quantitative easing over the past decade have caused significant asset inflation that is great for those with the assets but, as we all will be aware, there are plenty without, particularly younger people. I see it in my clinics involving all ages. It has been pointed out that my generation is likely to be the generation that will be less well-off than their parents. I can see the merits in all of this and how it needs to be looked at.

It is quite an interesting one. It is one of those issues where when the debate is had, it causes considerable anxiety and stress among people, even within the media. Much of the time, people will come to me and ask questions about it. They are not in that bracket. It will not happen to them.

I wonder what the guests think in general of the debate currently on issues such as capital acquisitions tax, CAT, and how it needs to be improved in terms of intergenerational wealth inequality, because I have seen that level of concern quite recently.