Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Would the Minister agree that in a republic it is right that everybody makes a contribution proportionate to their means, and that in the case of those who, through hard work and good fortune or through inheritance, have very large incomes and fortunes, it is a republican thing that they should make a contribution? Would he agree with very successful and distinguished businessmen such as Warren Buffett and Bill Gates that the rich have obligations to contribute to taxation? Everybody has a moral obligation to contribute to charity but in a republic there is also an obligation to contribute to the costs of the infrastructure of the state of which one is a citizen. Will the Minister outline his philosophy with regard to people making a contribution, particularly as next Wednesday it is quite likely he will ask people on very low and modest incomes to make an enhanced contribution or to take cuts in income?

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