Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 93: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the commission on taxation proposed in the programme for Government is expected to be established; and if he has brought proposals on this matter to the Government to date. [23651/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I will be bringing proposals to Government in the near future on matters relating to the establishment of the proposed Commission on Taxation including its membership and terms of reference. The Commission will be specifically charged with considering and making recommendations on the following:

Examine the balance achieved between taxes collected on income, capital and spending and report on it

Review all tax expenditures with a view to recommending the discontinuation of those that are unjustifiable on cost/benefit grounds

Consider options for the future financing of local government in the context of maintaining a strong economy, investigate fiscal measures to protect and enhance the environment including the introduction of a carbon tax.

Pending consideration by the Government of these proposals, I am not in a position to elaborate further on matters pertaining to the Commission.