Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2007
157 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in regard to the commitment contained in the programme for Government, he will outline the proposed membership and terms of reference of the planned commission on taxation; when the commission will be appointed; when it is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23677/07]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to the establishment of a Commission on Taxation which will have a wide remit to consider the structure of the taxation system. The Commission will be specifically charged with considering and making recommendations on the following:
Examine the balance achieved between taxes collected on income, capital and spending and report on it
Review all tax expenditures with a view to recommending the discontinuation of those that are unjustifiable on cost/benefit grounds
Consider options for the future financing of local government
In the context of maintaining a strong economy, investigate fiscal measures to protect and enhance the environment including the introduction of a carbon tax
I will be bringing proposals to Government in the near future on matters relating to the establishment of the proposed Commission including its membership and terms of reference. Pending consideration by the Government of these proposals, I am not in a position to elaborate further on matters pertaining to the Commission or its work programme.
158 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to implement a promise made in a speech on 25 March 2007, where on tax individualisation he promised to double the credit where one spouse works in the home to care for children, the elderly or the disabled; the steps he plans to take to implement same; if it will be included in the Estimates for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23324/07]
View answerThe Government's commitments in relation to taxation are contained in the Programme for Government. All income tax provisions are reviewed regularly, particularly in the context of the annual Budget. The Budget is less than eight weeks away. It has been the practice of successive Ministers for Finance not to comment on tax changes in the run up to the annual Budget and I do not propose to depart from that approach.
