Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before the debate adjourned last night, I was discussing the budgetary measures on tax avoidance and evasion, offshore income and assets as well as offshore tax defaulters who have been given ample opportunity to sort out their affairs. These people continue to break the law and I have no doubt that work and research are being done as we speak to find innovative and creative ways to facilitate continued tax avoidance and evasion. Substantial sums are being lost through these practices and illicit tax flows. Figures from the Revenue Commissioners show they recovered €3 billion in penalties, interest and additional tax, which begs the question as to how much more is out there?

On the increase in the price of a packet of cigarettes by 37 cents, it is unfortunate the views of Retailers Against Smuggling were not considered. This group pointed out that the illicit trade in tobacco was worth €1.2 billion in the past five years. In the first six months of 2016 alone, tobacco products seized by Revenue would have resulted in a loss to the Exchequer of €15.8 million, which is higher than the figure for the previous six-month period.

The black market in tobacco products is thriving in the centre of Dublin and the increase in the price of cigarettes will result in it growing further. Retailers Against Smuggling asked for a moratorium on price increases until more research had been done on the issue. A packet of cigarettes costs €11 in retail outlets and €4 or €5 on the black market. Current anti-smuggling regulations need to be strengthened because rather than deterring smokers, the price increase will result in more of them turning to the black market.

It is good the Bill introduces some financial relief for small breweries. Deputies addressed some of the aspects of the Bill related to climate change in this morning's debate. While the increase in social welfare benefits for most recipients for the first time in seven years is welcome, it does not go even halfway to retrieving the value that was lost through inflation in recent years.

While economic and taxation policies create poverty, they can also deliver a better and more equitable spread of wealth. All of us want to live in a fair and just society. Ireland is a world player which has assumed a role in the global community and the budget is not only about Ireland but the world of which we are part. In its pre-budget submission, Oxfam Ireland asked the Government to decide what type of a global community it wanted to foster. Budget 2017, it noted, provided an opportunity to reach a world where there is decent work for all, women and men are equal, tax havens are something people read about in history books and the richest pay their fair share to support a society that benefits everyone. That is the yardstick by which we should measure the budget and Finance Bill.

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