Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I thank Deputies for their extremely interesting contributions. Deputies Joan Collins and Boyd Barrett correctly praised the Scandinavian model. Deputy Joan Collins referred to municipal government. To remind Deputy Boyd Barrett and others, municipal government in Scandinavia is based on a certain provision of municipal taxation. For the last year Deputies Boyd Barrett and Joan Collins, along with other Deputies, have mounted a vigorous campaign against any kind of Scandinavian style taxation, where everybody would contribute a moderate and fair amount of tax. Deputy Boyd Barrett and others like him appear to be opposed to people paying tax. Mythical people will pay tax but that is a kind of fairy story.

I am delighted that he is so taken with Scandinavia. Deputy Joan Collins referred to Scandinavia's municipal structures, which rely on contributions to local taxation. They should examine reform in a holistic way. Scandinavia is characterised by a strong social welfare system based on fair municipal and income taxes. The Deputies opposite have spent most of their time opposing the principle of municipal taxation.

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