Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
198. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the timeline for the establishment of a commission on welfare and taxation as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14594/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” contains a number of commitments in the area of budgetary policy and taxation including a commitment to the establishment of a Commission on Welfare and Taxation. The stated purpose of the Commission will be to consider how best the tax system can support economic activity and promote increased employment and prosperity while ensuring that there are sufficient resources available to meet the costs of the public services and supports in the medium and longer term.
The Programme for Government sets out the commitments for the 5-year term of the Government which has just been formed. The work of the Commission should help to set the framework within which tax policy will be determined for the next decade and I believe that it is important that the Commission take a strategic, considered and balanced perspective that recognises the emerging and significant challenges in our economy and society.
The immediate focus of Government is on a fiscal stimulus plan to introduce a package of measures that will build on existing measures in order to help kick-start the economy, safeguard jobs and protect people’s livelihoods. In due course, the details of the proposed Commission on Welfare and Taxation. including the membership, the terms of reference and the reporting date can be considered and agreed.
