11 bizarre taxes that we hope won't come to Ireland

A water charge is the latest controversial tax to be introduced by the Government following the property charge in 2012. Many people are outraged and protests are ongoing. Here are 11 other things the Government could possibly charge us for that are, or have been, subject to tax in other countries.

1. Windows: One way of making sure the rich don't take their fortunes abroad to avoid tax is to place a levy on the amount of windows they have on their Irish properties. This was actually implemented in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries to generate revenue from wealthy people who lived in bigger houses. With prices going up, they'll find it hard to sell too. That'll show Bono.

2. Beaches: Ireland's coastline is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Fortunately, entry is fee - for the time being. Italy, Dubai and some states in America are among places that charge for this amenity in order to generate funds for local governments.

3. Public parks: Fancy taking the kids out for the day to get some air and exercise. Well, at the moment it's free to visit your local park but some locations in the United States charge an entry fee which is used for their upkeep. 'Sorry kids, but there'll be no ice-cream today.'

4. Sugar: A 'fat tax' was first proposed in Ireland to tackle obesity in 2011 but has yet to be written into legislation. Denmark's tax on sugary products has been widely lambasted but the obesity rate there is lower than the EU average.

5. Tea bags: Feeling a bit smug because you don't take sugar in your tea? Well, my friend, think again if you thought putting on the kettle will wipe away your troubles. You're already paying for the water and now you'll pay for the tea too. And if it's sympathy you're after, that will soon also be subject to tax. Only joking! Tea was taxed in Britain in the 1700s.

6. Silly baby Names: Some people just can't be trusted to name their children. I mean, what's wrong with good wholesome names like Frank, John, Mary and Jane? Now children are being named Apple and North West. It sounds ridiculous but in Sweden naming your child after anything that is currently in use is taxed, so you can forget about calling your child after a fruit, flower or cardinal direction.

7. Beards: Hipsters have appropriated the beard and frankly it's about time some people had a proper shave for the good of the nation. A beard tax was introduced in Russia in the 1600s but has since been abolished. We may need to revive it here in light of the current hipster epidemic. Obviously it doesn't apply to Conor McGregor, as we don't want to upset him.

8. Slow drivers and Tractors that won't pull over: Are you sick of getting stuck behind people who drive 40 kilometeres below the speed limit on your commute to work? Special speedometers could be installed in the cars of serial offenders to ensure they don't delay the nation going about their business. In Wales, Dubai and the United States slow drivers are fined on the spot when caught driving everyone crazy with their dawdling. In some countries tractor drivers are penalised for not pulling over.

9. Fireplaces: Are there so many taxes that you can't afford gas or oil? Well, fireplaces were subject to tax in the UK in the 1600s. So don't get too cosy by that roaring fire.

10. Urine: Well, it is a farm of water and and it was taxed in ancient Rome as it was used in chemical processes and as a form of ammonia to clean clothes.

11. Soap: You might have to settle for your own natural fragrance if this ever gets back into law but soap was widely taxed in Europe during the middle ages.

What other taxes are you dreading?