‘Those who can should pay higher taxes’

The Government was sent an unequivocal message from primary teachers that those who can afford to do so must be asked to pay more taxes if the economic crisis is to be tackled fairly.

Irish National Teachers’ Organisation general secretary Sheila Nunan told Education Minister Ruairi Quinn that her members, who are under threat of further pay cuts and workload increases, are driving the economy by providing the educated workforce that generate profits for private businesses.

Mr Quinn had earlier braved the question of the Croke Park II extension being voted on by 32,000 INTO members until Apr 15 and said he is acutely aware of the proposals being very challenging for them.

Ms Nunan said his Government’s policies had already forced unemployed teachers to look abroad for work after training at huge expense.

The congress passed a motion seeking a new top income tax rate of 48% for incomes over €100,000, a reduction of residency in Ireland for tax exiles to 90 days, a 1% wealth tax, and more contributions from profitable business.

“If the IFSC were taxed one cent on every euro that went through that island down on the Liffey, it would fund the entire education system in ireland,” said Dublin City delegate Crea Ryder.

The funding crisis facing schools was also raised, as teachers backed a union campaign to reverse cuts to the capitation grant for running costs and to have grants for minor works and summer repairs restored.