Taxpayers need system of accountability

WHEN the Senate Members’ Interests Committee convene to consider the issue of allowances and expenses they must bear in mind that taxpayers are demanding that there is an adequate system of accountability with respect to expenses.

The Ivor Callely case follows decades of disclosures of questionable payments and financial transactions concerning politicians and a “cute hoor” self-serving culture that exists in a universe that is detached from the values and experience of most citizens. Over half of the 1.85m people that have some form of employment in this country are currently earning €20,000 per annum, or less. The €81,500 in allowances that Callely claimed with respect to travel from his west Cork residence require the total income tax deductions for a full year of no less than 750 people working for €20,000 per annum, according to Revenue data.

If the Government wants to maintain the commitment of a tax-compliant society it is absolutely necessary to secure the prompt repayment of any money that has been wrongly claimed.