asked the Taoiseach if he will state the estimated proportion of the gross national income which is absorbed by (a) central taxation, (b) local taxation, and (c) any other form of taxation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gross National Income.
It is preferable to compute the proportions sought by the Deputy by reference to gross national product at market prices rather than by reference to gross national income. Central Government taxation was 17.2 per cent. of the gross national product at market prices in 1954. The corresponding percentages in the case of local authority taxation and of other taxation paid to extra-budgetary funds were 3.4 per cent. and 1.0 per cent. respectively. The separate figures for 1955 are not yet available but the total taxation under the three categories was 22.0 per cent. of gross national product at market prices in that year. The data for 1956 will be available shortly.
It may be mentioned that to consider fully the relationship of taxation to the various aggregates of income and expenditure used in national income statistics, account should also be taken of subsidies and of transfer payments (e.g. old age pensions, children's allowances, etc.) from public authorities to persons.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate what are the other forms of taxation to which reference is made in his reply?
The question asked was in relation to the estimated proportion of the gross national income which is absorbed by (a) central taxation, (b) local taxation and (c) any other form of taxation. That question has been answered.
What are the other forms of taxation?
Is that not the question?
I understood that this House and the local authorities only were entitled to raise taxation.
If the Deputy puts down the question it will be answered.
Will the Taoiseach say if the amounts raised in other forms of taxation are nil?
The Deputy wants to be smart.
You are all very touchy to-day.