Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister thanked the members of the commission for their work. Unfortunately, that stands in marked contrast to the way in which the Tánaiste trashed their work. The Minister has expressed gratitude to the commission in a very sincere way. That is one thing but the best way he could show gratitude for its work is to implement some of its clear recommendations. There appears to be a marked reluctance to do so, however, with no indication at all of what the Government's plans might be in terms of additional taxes and revenue generation from wealth, capital and assets. The central proposition of the report was set out in its statement that "the balance of taxation must shift away from taxes on labour and towards taxes on capital, wealth, and consumption." I think that is one thing on which the Minister and I certainly will agree. This issue is very urgent indeed. Raising additional revenues sustainably from taxes on assets and capital is a much more sustainable way of resourcing our economy and society.

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