David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the Minister of State would work with us and demonstrate how it has been done. I would like to know the formula and methodologies used. I do not know how these functions are performed on behalf of the Government. I do not believe these analyses-studies take account of the issues raised by organisations such as Social Justice Ireland, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and many others.

In considering the introduction of waters charges, funding of local government and poverty proofing we must look to what is happening in other jurisdictions. The North of Ireland is a good place to look in this regard. As I have said on numerous occasions in this House, I have no difficulty in principle with the introduction of a rate, which is different to each individual service applying local charges. In the context of reform of our overall tax system, we must ensure that, where possible, higher earners pay more, including through the introduction of a wealth tax. We must also ensure that the rate is based on ability to pay. In other words, there is a progressive element to it. While the principle of collecting taxes is a good one because we must ensure people receive services, what is wrong is that we are moving away from progressive and direct taxation to indirect taxation, which is having a disproportionate affect on many low-income families and putting them into poverty.

People in the North of Ireland receive many services, including free school books, free school transport, bin collection and desludging services, for what they pay. I do not believe that people in this State-----