Sir, – Pat Leahy’s article on the Government needing to keep the electorate on side by announcing the mandatory perks in the budget reminded me of the very powerful homily delivered by the Archbishop of Dublin in Lourdes recently (“Our tax take used to be reliant on three companies. Now it hinges on one weight-loss drug”, Opinion, September 27th).
Archbishop Farrell addressed the need for social justice, particularly in the context of the generation of young people who have all but given up hope of having a home. While acknowledging that many measures are being taken on housing, he questioned whether this crisis is actually treated as an overriding concern in our society.
He asked whether vested interests are being challenged, whether established ways of doing things are being set aside and questioned the balance between property rights and the basic right of individuals to housing.
While acknowledging the role of Government, investors, planners and developers, he suggested that we are all complicit when, at election time, we vote for those who will allocate resources that benefit us rather than those whose needs are most urgent.
RM Block
Coming back to the budget, I think it is important that the Government focus its resources on areas of actual need rather than delivering the “mandatory perks”, though that may be easier and beneficial politically.
Recently, a sensible commentator on RTÉ said support could be paid directly to households under a certain income threshold and just allow the fuel price to rise without giving universal support.
This would have the added benefit of making people think about reducing their driving, thus benefiting the environment. Energy supports and fuel supports may be required, but these should be targeted on areas of need, whether that be families on moderate incomes or exposed sectors such as hauliers and agricultural contractors.
In a broader budgetary context, we seem to be, again quoting Archbishop Farrell, “in the paralysing grip of the status quo”. The Government needs to be bold and strategic in ensuring that we can fund infrastructure delivery and look after the marginalised in our society.
As a retired person, I believe that, for the most part, my generation has lived the best life: benefiting from free education, getting on the housing market, cheap childcare, defined benefit pensions, etc. And we have benefited from the amazing inflation in property values that now make life so difficult for younger people.
I would like to see the Government show some sign of breaking free from the status quo and show some sign of intent to tackle the structural/strategic issues.
Making a start on addressing our ridiculously low taxes on property and wealth would be a good place to start. – Yours, etc,
MARY NAUGHTON,
Rosses Point,
Co Sligo
