Tax wealth and give proceeds to strugglers

I am 71 years old and I live with my wife. Both of us are in poor health.

Four weeks ago, I had open surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm condition. Earlier this week I received correspondence showing property tax of €67.50 unilaterally deducted from my pension; a slap in the face from the Government of the 31st Dáil, a pitiless note, adding to my ill-health.

We can not afford to pay property tax on our home. We need to live.

Since the present Irish Government took office in 2011, bankrupt banks have been bailed out by Irish taxpayers, the bereavement grant has been abolished, additional water and property tax imposed, medical prescriptions increased by 66%, child and disability allowances reduced, telephone allowances abolished, gas and electricity rates, and standing charges increased. The rich establishment can afford the increased charges, but not the least well off, battered by the relentless tide of unjust measures.

I curse the Government of the 31st Dáil and all who serve in it.

Fast forward to the next Dáil where a just Government must be formed, a Government dominated by independent, fair-minded, non-political party representatives who will redress the unjust wrongdoings of the present administration.

Fast forward to a Government who will repeal the draconian legislation enacted by the present; a Government that will hit wealth, including establishment high earners and those drawing extravagant pensions.

A reliable statistic shows that 750,000 three quarters of a millionof our citizens are living in poverty. Family homes should not be taxed but [rather] wealth, the proceeds distributed to struggling middle and low earners, not forgetting the relief of vulnerable pensioners like myself.

Joe Terry

Blarney

Co Cork