Sean Barrett (Independent)

I agree with Senator Feargal Quinn that there should have been a more thorough approach adopted to the discussions on the budget. However, I accept the Leader's statement that this will happen next year. Some €12 billion in tax forgone, as estimated by Dr. Michael Collins of TCD, is taken out of the Exchequer each year, but these items have not been discussed. While other target items such as child benefit have been discussed, these tax measures lack transparency in regard to the costs involved. We do not know what their benefits to society as a whole are. However, they distort the economy. A range of tax lawyers and accountants are advertising in today's print media on how to beat the budget measures. These tax lawyers and accountants produce nothing; they only move money away from the Exchequer into the hands of their clients. This is a massive source of income inequality because only the very rich can afford their services. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, was keen to address these points before she became Minister. I ask the Leader to stress to members of Government that the standard rate of tax should be just that. At a time when we are so short of money, this €12 billion in tax forgone should come under scrutiny, with all the other items that have been the subject of pre-budget speculation.