Wealthy ‘should pay more tax’

THE wealthiest in Irish society should pay more tax so that the poor can be protected, according to Social Justice Ireland which releases its policy briefing on Budget Choices today.

Social Justice Ireland (SJI) spokesman Fr Sean Healy said: “Ireland is at a critical moment in itsdevelopment and Government decisions in budget 2010 will have a huge impact on the future.

“While Ireland should remain a low-tax economy, Irish society cannot expect to have efficient European style public services unless we collect sufficient taxation,” he added.

Among SJI’s key recommendations are the removal of the current 111 tax breaks which would go someway to increasing the overall tax, without raising income tax rates, and still keep Ireland a low-tax country.

According to the group the country’s various tax reliefs are worth about €8.4 billion a year.

However Fr Healy said; “It is essential that the vulnerable are protected.”

SJI is a new lay- and clerical-backed campaign group which was formed last month to continue programmes and projects started by Conference of Religious of Ireland.