Dáil debates

Wednesday, 26 January 2011

Finance Bill 2011: Committee Stage

 

3:00 pm

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Such people cannot simply avoid making their fair contribution. If reform in this area is to be introduced by the next Government, it will be difficult because these are very powerful people, with vested interests and they employ the best lawyers in the world. We have to get everyone in this country contributing at an effective rate. That is the only way we will keep taxes low and moderate, which is what we need. We must get everyone to contribute.

It is regrettable that for seven or eight years Fianna Fáil - going back to the time of Charlie McCreevy, moving on to the then Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Cowen, and now the current Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan - has ducked and dived on this issue. I think it was I who coined the term the Cinderella clause in terms of midnight, which has become part of taxation language. When the Cinderella clause came in approximately 18 years ago, based on a British clause, most very wealthy people in Ireland then did not have personal helicopters to take a little ride out over Lambay island or Howth Head out of the jurisdiction for a couple of hours and then hop back again. What we need, and I hope it may emerge in the coming election, is a consensus from all the parties that even people of great power, wealth and influence - who are widely and correctly admired by many and many of whom I know are very charitable - must contribute their fair share. I ask the House to support the Labour Party amendment.

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