Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

The net financial assets of wealthy people increased by 27.3% between 2008 and 2009 and are likely to increase again in 2010 and 2011. These are personal rather than business, commercial, building or housing assets and are net. I believe people with such assets who are on significant incomes should pay their fair share of taxation. They are not doing so now. I believe it is time super rich Irish people who have these assets should make a considerable contribution given our current situation.

Will the Minister consider following the example of several states in the US and of France, Norway, Spain and Switzerland in imposing an assets tax such as this?

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