Victims of the State?

I AM in receipt of a small but, significant, amount of rental income which I must declare to the Revenue Commissioners.

If I failed to do so and was then pursued by the Revenue, would any old age pensioners jump to my defence for this “extra” tax?

I sincerely doubt it. So why are pensioners who failed to declare similar sources of income now being portrayed as helpless victims of a money-grabbing State?

Those affected have also complained that they have to wait on hold for up to 12 minutes on helplines established for their benefit.

Given that pensioners receive free telephones courtesy of those of us who do pay their taxes, this complaint seems a bit rich.

Thomas Ryan

Harolds Cross

Dublin 6W