Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
114 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if, in relation to the evolution of the working age population here as a proportion of total population over the next 25 years, he will make a statement on the impact of these projected changes on the productivity of the economy here and the likely burden of taxation. [18259/04]
View answerOver the next 25 years the working age population as a proportion of total population is projected to fall. The resultant lower levels of employment growth will mean that productivity growth will become a key ingredient in economic growth. In this context, increased labour force participation rates, particularly amongst female and older age groups, will be crucial.
The falling proportion of those of working age will be a factor which will impact on many aspects of budgetary policy going forward, including taxation policy.
