Paying too little? - Our low-tax economy

THE Nevin Economic Research Institute, which works for a “better, fairer society” and is supported by unions affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, has published research which suggests that our expectations around State services and our “low” taxes are out of kilter.

This seems a realistic assessment, one confirmed by the fact that we still, despite all of the brutal amputations, have to borrow more than €8bn this year to keep the ship afloat.

Of course, servicing private debt imposed on the public purse by our friends in Europe skews the figures but a like-with-like comparison indicates that we are more than optimistic about what we can expect our taxes to fund. The report also dismisses the suggestion that young, highly qualified people are emigrating because of high taxes. The report shows that, when a number of factors are considered, young single Irish people face some of the lowest tax bills in Europe. This report may not support the narrative of victimhood so beloved in this culture but if it makes a contribution ot a more realistic debate on society then it is very welcome.