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7th May 2002
Ó Caoláin - Sinn Fein committed to creating a more equitable society
Sinn Fein TD for Cavan Monaghan Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that ``the majority of citizens need and deserve better public services and want to see the tax they contribute used to provide and equitable an efficient health system, improved education, accessible childcare and viable public transport.''
Deputy Ó Caoláin said:
``I believe that the record of this government and the rainbow coalition is one of lost opportunities They both failed to harness the unprecedented wealth in the economy to create a more equitable society.
``The facts are stark. We have the most unequal distribution of wealth of any industrialised state outside the USA. One in four women raising children on their own experience poverty. The Combat Poverty Agency has shown that over the lifetime of the outgoing government 25% of the value of Budget give -awash went to the richest 10%. At the same time the poorest 20% of the population received only 5% of the benefits. 20% of households live on half the average income.
``Sinn Fein's vision is different.
``In the Economy and taxation section of our manifesto we set out our priorities. These include:
- The reduction of our over-dependency on inward investment and more government support for both small and large-scale indigenous enterprises and businesses with a research and development anchor
- The development of the state sector, and opposition to privatisation of those State companies which built up the vital infrastructure of the State.
- The fostering of a knowledge based economy
- The availability of broadband telecommunications throughout the country
- Policy priority for public transport as the main solution to transport chaos.
A fair taxation system is essential to the building of an Ireland of equals.
We believe that the majority of citizens need and deserve better public services and want to see the tax they contribute used to provide and equitable and efficient health system, improved education, accessible childcare and viable public transport. This rather than the demand for tax cuts, must form the basis for the reform of taxation.
The present tax system is full of loopholes. Sinn Fein's plan for taxation includes:
- A major review of the taxation system with the aim of restructuring and reforming to achieve equity and to ensure that revenues are harnessed for social benefit. This review should aim to ensure that those who can afford most, pay most. It should identify and seek to eliminate the many loopholes for tax avoidance which contribute to the unfairness of the system. The review should be completed within a year.
- The removal of those on the minimum wage from the tax net.
- No further reduction in Corporation Tax
- Capital Gains Tax return to 40%
- Return employers PRSI to 12%
- The immediate closure of identifiable loopholes for tax avoidance.
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