Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 February 2014
53. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding representation for pensioners organisations in decision-making processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7059/14]
View answerIn my 2014 Budget speech, I stated that the 0.6% levy on pension fund assets would end this year but that I was introducing an additional levy of 0.15% for 2014 and 2015, in order among other reasons, to continue to help fund the Jobs Initiative which is being successful in creating and maintaining employment in the areas affected by the measures in the Initiative.
Individuals and organisations have every right, of course, to question Government policy and to seek to influence that policy in the usual way through transparent verbal and written representation. In the context of taxation policy, for example, I receive many representations, particularly but not exclusively, in the lead-in to the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes. I also meet with quite a number of representative organisations as part of these processes. In these various ways, I am made very aware of the issues of concern, including the issues around the impact of the levy on pension fund assets.
I am not clear from the details supplied with the question what form of influence on the decision-making process is being recommended in relation, for example, to tax policy. Clearly, decisions on tax policy are matters for the Government to make having considered, among other things, the views and concerns expressed by interested parties in the manner I have outlined.
