Richest pay low level of tax, admits Cowen

TÁNAISTE and Finance Minister Brian Cowen yesterday admitted some of the country’s wealthiest people have been paying “a very low level of tax” in recent years.

However, in face of criticism by opposition parties, Mr Cowen insisted the Government had taken action to combat the problem.

Yesterday’s Revenue report on the country’s 400 highest earners showed 104 of them paid less than 20% tax in 2003. Three had a 0% tax rating.