asked the Minister for Finance if he will have estimated the possible administrative cost of introducing the p.a.y.e. system of income-tax collection together with an estimate of the increase in tax yield which would result therefrom, in view of the fact that many workers in the lower income group suffer serious hardship because of the failure to introduce this system.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Income-Tax Collection.
I am not at the moment convinced, viewing the matter on broad grounds, that a proposal to introduce a p.a.y.e. system into this country could, in all the existing circumstances, be recommended. Accordingly it is not my present intention to have the considerable time and labour, which would be necessary, devoted to the preparation of estimates as suggested.
Would the Minister explain to the House how he has arrived at that view without first having obtained the necessary relevant information? Is the Minister not aware that there is a considerable volume of public opinion, particularly among the lower-paid workers, for the introduction of this system? Does he think it is fair to the House to brush aside that by giving an adverse opinion without having gone to the trouble of collecting the necessary data on which to base such an adverse opinion?
The facts known to me are: first of all, the system has been in operation in Great Britain for some years past and it has been described there as a "perfect example of a perfect tax which has become a perfect nuisance". It is not popular. It has not been asked for by any group of people here. From time to time I have had negotiations with trade union bodies and there has appeared on the agenda a proposal with regard to p.a.y.e. On at least two occasions I had to remind the deputation that this item appeared on the agenda but had not been mentioned; the answer I got was that it had been put there because someone suggested it and it took its place at the bottom of the list. I have no evidence that there is any substantial demand from any group for this tax.
If evidence is made available to the Minister that there is a substantial demand for the introduction of this system so far as the lower-paid workers are concerned, will he reconsider his decision?
At that point I shall communicate to the Deputy the disadvantages of the system and the amazing difficulties that would ensue as a result of its operation.
Obviously it is impossible to convert the Minister. He has made up his mind in advance.
It is not a question of conversion. Nobody wants to convert me.